Dawn Smith, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice
My Sessions
I offer 50 minute, personalized sessions oriented around the goal of creating a safe and supportive place for you to better understand yourself and address the issues preventing you from living a fuller and more meaningful life. I work to build strong connections with my clients, which is essential in creating an alliance that will facilitate the work. Psychotherapy is an effective means of helping people in distress and resolving current and long term problems. The benefits can include eliminating or decreasing troublesome symptoms, increasing confidence, developing a more solid sense of oneself, and improving relationships.
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What to Expect
It can be difficult to find a therapist that is a good match. I recommend that we talk by phone and then set up a couple of sessions to better understand the issues that you would like help with and so that you can get a good sense of my approach and style. We will also talk about the frequency of sessions based on your needs as well as other modalities that might be helpful in addition to our work.
Individual Therapy
Sometimes it is difficult to overcome patterns of thinking that lead to low self-esteem, self- sabotage and loneliness. Our work together will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and a greater awareness of thoughts, feelings and experiences that affect your mood, relationships and behavior. I ensure a safe and protected space for you to work through and get support in unpacking deeper levels of experience and/or trauma. This can lead to significant change and an opportunity for growth.
Couples Therapy
My work with couples focuses on understanding both the current patterns of interaction that result in conflict, as well as early experiences that each person brings into the relationship. Couples therapy can be helpful in clarifying issues, improving communication and resolving problematic patterns and interactions. Couples therapy can help you and your partner strengthen your relationship in a safe and confidential setting.
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Treatment for Teens
I work to provide a safe space where teens can feel comfortable opening up and discussing their feelings and experiences with me. I have worked for many years listening to and building relationships with teens and in my practice I provide a trusting, honest and low pressure environment. In order to satisfy both the need for confidentiality and parents’ need to be informed about the course of therapy, I meet periodically with parents to provide a general description of the work and to collaborate as to what would be most helpful to the teen and to the family.