Terriee Smith, NCC, LMHC, CCPT

I believe that counseling is a team effort with both of us having unique roles. My role is to be your coach and cheerleader but the actual work belongs to you. I will be right there in your corner cheering you on and assisting you if you stumble.

My approach to counseling:
My primary approach to therapy is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT. This is a form of counseling is a scientifically supported and provides positive outcomes. ACT uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in different ways. This approach also addresses commitment and behavior-change strategies that have the ability to increase psychological flexibility. Because the therapeutic process is not a “one size fits all” I use a variety of techniques in therapy, trying to find what will work best for you. These techniques are likely to include dialogue, interpretation, cognitive reframing, awareness exercises, self-monitoring experiments, visualization, journal keeping, drawing, and reading books. Frequently I will provide you with homework assignments that are geared towards developing skills for you to use outside the therapy environment. These exercises assist in not only strengthening your brain but also your behavioral changes. I also am certified in integrative mental health and utilize nutrition and diet as a tool for improving mental health and wellness.

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Additionally, I earned a Master of Science degree in counseling from Nova Southeastern University.

Experience:
I completed my internship with and began my career in outpatient substance abuse counseling. During that time I also worked in detox and inpatient facilities. The vast majority of my work was with client’s who had dual diagnoses; meaning not only substance abuse but other mental health concerns; particularly PTSD. I have worked with children on an outpatient and inpatient basis. Most recently I have been working with adults at a community level. This population spans diagnoses ranging from anxiety and stress disorder to chronic and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I have taken specialized training and certification classes in Trauma Focused Therapy and anxiety reduction skills.