Sydney Smith Counseling, LLC

We all crave meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. I believe this is one of the reasons why counseling is so powerful. Ultimately, counseling is a specialized and unique relationship in which to practice new skills, process deep wounds, and build self-understanding. Everyone is wired with physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs. These needs function together as a whole, so hurt in one area may bring hurt in another. But the good news is that healing works this way too. As you heal in one area of your life, the ripple effects of hope & healing can give you the motivation to move forward. Knowing this, we’ll explore your experiences with new perspectives for all the opportunities that bring healing. If you’re new to counseling, I welcome all your questions or hesitations. Because I’ve been in the client seat myself, I prioritize transparency about the process with you. I’m happy to share not only what I suggest might be helpful, but also how and why these are my suggestions. If you’ve had counseling before, I welcome your thoughts about what previously worked for you and what didn’t. No one size fits all, so let’s make your therapy your own! I have a special interest working with anxiety in the many ways it manifests and I don't pathologize these normal experiences. Yet sometimes anxiety and pain so overwhelm us that we don't know where to turn. Even if it doesn't feel true for a season, I believe we all have the ability to flourish as we gain resources, coping strengths, and deeper understanding of ourselves. I also work with clients recovering from traumatic experiences and relational wounds. Trauma causes pain that runs wide and deep, leaving many individuals feeling isolated and ashamed. If we work together, I hope to be a witness to your pain and help explore your story in ways that move us forward. I work with clients to explore perfectionism, shame, inner critics, and parts of self that feel stuck in the past. I understand that spiritual/religious influences can have unique impacts on mental health, whether a source of pain or comfort (and often a confusing mix of both!). My aim is to simultaneously “mourn with those who mourn” and hold hope for my clients’ flourishing. I welcome clients of all beliefs and will never impose my own. We’ll prioritize evidence-based approaches, holistic perspectives, and your personal preferences. In addition to my clinical work, I am a doctoral student in Counselor Education & Supervision. Through this additional training, I have experience providing cross-cultural clinical supervision to counselors in Ukraine. I have research interests in trauma, IFS, and faith/spiritual issues in counseling. I hold professional memberships with the Ohio Counselor Association (OCS), American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), EMDRIA, & Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Outside of the office, I love going to the movies and thrifting books with my husband. I’m growing a home library faster than I can read. I love to revisit the farm of my upbringing, where I learned to appreciate peaceful solitude. I enjoy a backyard campfire with friends, a kayak trip, and a good farmers market.