About Dr. Julia Smith, LPCC, NCC

With a Doctorate in Counseling from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a career history in the field of Mental Health as a Psychotherapist and Counselor Educator, I work with individual adults.

My career background covers a wide scope of clinical work in community counseling, private practice, residential treatment, intensive outpatient hospitalization, university, and military settings. In addition to my work in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, I also have expertise in issues with relationships, career, grief and loss, and transitions through the advancing years.

In the field of education, I served on university faculties in the capacities of Assistant Professor of Counseling, Visiting Lecturer, and Adjunct Faculty. My work as a Counselor Educator in academia began while teaching as a Graduate Assistant throughout my doctoral studies. During my years in higher education, I launched qualitative research to explore autonomy, intimacy, and identity development My research has been a guiding force in my career journey and my approach to both self-development and the healing process as a clinician. Given the significance of autonomy and identity for mental health and healthy relationships, I am in the process of writing a book, as well as researching.

I have a respectful, empathic, interactive, and culturally sensitive approach. My Psychodynamic orientation addresses the underlying patterns and past experiences connected to the struggles you are having in the present. This approach supports personal integration and resolution for lasting change. I also infuse Family Systems, Gestalt, and Cognitive-Behavior therapies in my work.