The best way to describe me as a therapist and as a person is unconventional. My approach to therapy begins with positivity, mindfulness, humor, being an active listener, and helping each person develop goals specific for them. I also incorporate an integrated approach by treating the mind, body, and soul. My clinical skills are rooted in CBT, Gestalt, Psycho-dynamic, and motivational interviewing. I foster a safe, respectful, and caring environment for anyone interested in therapy. I am motivated to provide a space to explore the strength and resilience within themselves. Being a therapist has been the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have the chance to help anyone interested in taking steps to be a better person. My passion comes from seeing a person take control of his or her life. This can be a difficult journey if taken alone. Especially when you come to realize you are ready for a change.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Dissociation, Fatherhood issues, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
IL LCPC 180009825
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Elaine Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Excellent in every way. Better Help should pay her more!!!!!!!!!!
Written on Dec 02, 2021 after therapy with Elaine for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
She honestly cares and works very hard to support your concerns and work with you. There hasn’t been a single conversation where I felt we didn’t attempt to cover something, and she always has kind suggestions in messages between live talks to try and help me. I believe she’d do the same for anyone that wanted someone to talk to, and, has the experience, to help guide you to feeling a bit better, even if it’s just a day at a time. I don’t feel like I’ve failed anymore, I just feel like I can do better and need to stick with it.
Written on Nov 25, 2021 after therapy with Elaine for 2 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Elaine Smith is such a caring and compassionate therapist. Did I mention how knowledgeable she is about being a therapist!! She's so sweet and smart she taught me something about my life and how my past experiences are affecting my mental health issues now. She has made positive suggestions that I am currently applying in every day life to become a better person and manage my anxiety. I will definitely continue to work w Elaine Smith to get to where I see myself going w getting therapy. Thanks for listening and helping . Therapy truly makes a huge positive difference in life.
Written on Nov 22, 2021 after therapy with Elaine for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
From the moment I met her she was very upfront about how she provides therapy and I was extremely comfortable with it. She also took the time to listen and get to know me before attempting anything else. I immediately felt at ease and was able to open up.
Written on Nov 05, 2021 after therapy with Elaine for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and coping with life changes
Elaine is excellent!
Written on Oct 09, 2021 after therapy with Elaine for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues
She listens, takes the time to help me with my day and makes sure to texts me when I don’t reply for quite some time.
Written on Sep 25, 2021 after therapy with Elaine for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes