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.
My Values
Connect with clients authentically and meaningfully.
Support clients in coming home to themselves through self-compassion.
Encourage clients to make changes in alignment with their values.
Challenge ways of thinking and behaving to find ones that are more helpful.
Foster a therapeutic relationship in which clients are seen, heard, and safe.
Honor clients as experts in their own lives.
Provide quality, individualized therapy.
Additional Information
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Anxiety
Life Transitions
Neurodivergence
Self-Worth
Body Image
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Adams State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Appalachian State University: M.S. in Nutrition
University of Wyoming: B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences - Dietetics Concentration
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Licensed Professional Counselor in DC and Virginia
National Certified Counselor
Registered Dietitian Nutrition licensed in DC
Trauma of Money (TM) Certified
Intuitive Eating Certified Counselor
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Size Inclusive Fitness Specialist
Trauma Informed Weight Lifting Certified
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Mindfulness
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
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Association for Contextual Behavioral Science