Kelly Smith, LCSW - Therapist in Virginia

Family of origin patterns
Anxiety and depression
CBT and DBT methods

About Kelly

Kelly Smith is an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker - with 30 years of experience. Kelly works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, parenting concerns, addiction, LGBT issues, and problems rooted in family dynamics. Kelly also supports people dealing with grief, intimacy concerns, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

Kelly uses a mix of practical methods in sessions. Conversations focus on what feels difficult now and where those patterns may come from. Sessions often combine short-term skills work with deeper reflection on how early family roles shape current choices and relationships.

Kelly describes a direct, interactive style that values being heard and treated respectfully. Clients can expect clear discussion, concrete strategies, and space to talk through painful or confusing memories about family and upbringing. The therapist draws on cognitive-behavioral tools for changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, plus client-centered listening to clarify priorities.

Over three decades of practice include both psychotherapy and supervisory roles. That background informs an approach that balances skill-building with understanding long-standing patterns. Kelly also incorporates dialectical behavior and mindfulness techniques to help manage intense feelings and improve day-to-day functioning.

Sessions are aimed at adults who notice family-of-origin patterns affecting their mood, relationships, or parenting. Kelly encourages straightforward conversation about goals and practical steps clients can try between appointments.

Using therapeutic approaches in online sessions

Kelly frequently draws on cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy in clinical work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help when feelings feel overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kelly will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and will suggest which methods to try together. That choice is collaborative and can change as needs evolve.

Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove the need to commute. These practical benefits can help someone keep consistent appointments while they practice new skills and reflect on family patterns.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Depression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsGrief Intimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Abandonment Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issues Body imageCo-morbidityCodependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Midlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobia Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Listed in

New York, California, Virginia, Washington

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she work with?

Kelly works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, addictions, LGBT issues, grief, intimacy matters, ADHD, and family-related patterns.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach?

She uses a blend of client-centered listening, cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychodynamic ideas, dialectical behavior strategies, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to match the client's needs.

What is her clinical background?

Kelly has 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, working with a wide range of emotional and relational issues.

Where is she licensed and based?

Kelly is an LCSW licensed in New York and Virginia and practices from Virginia.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with clients outside the United States?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How does pricing and payment work?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.