About
- Anxiety and depression
- Parenting challenges
- Trauma and grief
About Kelly
Kelly Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with 30 years of experience. Kelly focuses on common household stresses like anxiety, depression, parenting strain, relationship tension, trauma, and substance concerns, and also addresses issues tied to LGBTQ identity and grief.
Kelly uses straightforward talk and active listening to help people name what feels hard. Sessions are practical and often include clear tools to manage strong emotions and everyday problems. Kelly draws on a mix of approaches to fit what a person needs in the moment.
Over three decades of work have included therapy and clinical supervision in a range of settings. That background informs a flexible way of working that balances short-term skills and longer conversations about patterns. Many people who come for help want relief from constant worry, better ways to handle parenting and household tension, or support after loss or trauma.
Kelly often integrates cognitive behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thinking and DBT skills to manage intense feelings. Mindfulness and client-centered elements are used to slow things down and focus on what matters most to the client. Motivational interviewing supports people when change feels difficult.
People who contact Kelly can expect clear direction about next steps and practical strategies to try between meetings. The work is conversational and focused on everyday life - making coping strategies fit regular schedules and family routines.
How sessions work
How Kelly uses therapeutic approaches online
Kelly commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT offers practical exercises and homework that can be reviewed in sessions to reduce anxiety and depressive patterns.Kelly also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help manage strong emotions and improve distress tolerance. DBT provides concrete breathing, grounding, and interpersonal skills that can be practiced between meetings. Client-Centered Therapy is used alongside these methods to keep the conversation focused on the client's concerns and priorities.
Choosing an approach is collaborative. Kelly will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and will adjust the mix over time. The process often starts with short-term goals and practical steps to try at home.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking, since specific online formats are not listed in the profile. Ask about available session types when you schedule. Online work can make it easier to fit meetings into busy days, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people use quieter surroundings or lower-bandwidth options if that helps them engage.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
New York, California, Virginia, Washington
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kelly work with?
Kelly works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, relationship tension, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, and LGBTQ related issues among other areas listed in the profile.
How would you describe Kelly's therapy style?
Kelly uses a practical, interactive approach that combines client-centered listening with skill-based methods like CBT and DBT to address emotions and behaviors.
How much experience does Kelly have?
Kelly has 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor.
What are Kelly's credentials and where are they based?
Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and Virginia and practices from Virginia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Kelly?
Kelly is not accepting international clients at this time.
What is the cost structure for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin the process of working with Kelly?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.