Kathleen A. Smith (She/They)

Doctoral Candidate, M.A., LMFT

As a Doctoral Candidate, I am deeply passionate about using evidence-supported treatments, especially those that have been adapted to fit the needs of historically minoritized communities like the LGBTQIA2+ and racial and ethnic minority communities. I have advanced trainings or certifications in and extensive experience using several evidence-supported couple and family therapy approaches including PREPARE/ENRICH for premarital couples, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) for adolescents, amongst others.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Virginia and Maryland who provides couples and marital therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy for a range of concerns. The grounding theories guiding my work are attachment, humanistic, and experiential in nature. In practice, this means I actively address concerns through present-focused, in-depth explorations to produce lasting changes for relationship enrichment.

The presenting concerns best suited for these approaches includes adjustment to life transitions, couples and family communication issues, isolation and cut-off from parents or adult children, depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, and substance abuse prevention. I find fulfillment in helping people experience relief through strengthening emotional connection, building self-confidence, and gaining clarity.

As a member of the LGBTQIA2+ community, I am deeply committed to giving back by providing identity-celebratory, affirmative care. Many evidence supported treatments do not prioritize inclusive practices, but both EFT and ABFT have been adapted to support the needs of sexual and gender minority individuals and relationships. These models emphasize a structured, compassionate approach that works to address underlying causes to produce lasting solutions.

If you are interested in learning more or exploring whether we may be a good fit, I offer a complimentary 15‑minute phone consultation for all prospective clients. Please click the “Get Started Today” link below to complete a brief contact form so we can schedule your call.

I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Get Started today!
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My Values

Earning trust through consistency, transparency, and honesty.

Investing deeply and intentionally in my work as a therapist.

Belief in the possibility of lasting change through enriching relationships.

Integrating cultural humility and respect for client autonomy into every aspect of care.

Clients hold inherent wisdom needed to facilitate meaningful change.

Providing evidence‑supported treatment options grounded in best clinical practice.

Additional Information

    • LGBTQIA2+ concerns and affirming care

    • Relationship stress

    • Couple's conflict and relational cycles

    • Identity development and life transitions

    • Cultural concerns and experiences

    • Depression and low mood

    • Individual and family suicide-related concerns

    • Individual and family substance use concerns

    • Anxiety and stress-related concerns

    • Family alienation and cut-off

    • Low self-confidence and self-esteem

    • Virginia Tech: PhD in Human Development (anticipated 2027)

      • Marriage and Family Therapy Program

    • Appalachian State University: MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

      • Graduate certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling

    • Virginia Tech: B.S. in Human Development

    • PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator

    • Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy for LGBTQ+ Couples

    • Level 1 Attachment Based Family Therapy

    • Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Virginia)

    • Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (Maryland)

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program - Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) Doctoral Fellow (2025)

    • Zero Suicide framework

    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy - clinical fellow

      • Queer and Trans Advocacy Network - member

      • Minority Fellowship Alumni - member 

    • National Council on Family Relations - new professional member