Therapy Approach

Therapeutic Approach

Therapy requires a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space. Dr. Smith's strength as a psychologist is to deeply attend to each client's emotions, thoughts, and life context, individualizing the treatment to each client's needs and goals. She effectively balances exploratory and supportive therapy with the latest research and evidence-based interventions. 

It's not always easy discussing the "tough stuff" in therapy. Dr. Smith will respect a client's pace and level of comfort in the room. She also frequently works with client's strengths which brings an uplifting energy into sessions. She is transparent with clients about treatment approaches, often using a shared decision-making model so that clients have a voice in their therapy. 

Specific Interventions

Foundationally in her practice of psychology she utilizes humanistic psychotherapy interventions. Social justice themes are also present in her work considering the significant impact that all forms of oppression have on wellbeing. She may integrate, as appropriate, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic interventions, positive psychology, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI), exposure-based interventions, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

For couples therapy Dr. Smith integrates a humanistic and attachment-focused intervention called Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) with Imago therapy techniques. And for folks struggling specifically with insomnia, she also utilizes a brief (6-session) CBT-I protocol. 

Dr. Smith is a Health At Every Size aligned provider.

179 Great Road, Suite 102, Acton, MA 01720

(351) 333-7177

 drsmith@lightlistpsych.com