Wendy E. Smith, MA, LMHC
Helping You Become...
Emotion Focused, Mindfulness-Based and Existential Therapy
I have discovered that I work somewhat differently with different people; this is probably because each client is different and has different problems, strengths, needs and goals, and because, in each case, a unique relationship develops between me and the client. In all cases, I place the utmost importance on deeply understanding the client’s experience and on meeting that person with empathy and respect. I believe that people contain the seeds of their own authenticity and development, and that it is the therapist’s job to help the client remove what blocks his or her natural growth.
When working with individuals, I use Emotion-Focused Therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy, as well as other techniques. I also pay a lot of attention to people’s histories in order to understand how their past development and experiences might be affecting their current capacity to live well in the present and imagine a future.
Finally, I sometimes use Lifespan Integration© therapy to help clients integrate bodily/emotional memories from infancy, childhood and adolescence with their adult capacities for understanding. I find Lifespan Integration to be especially helpful for healing recent trauma gently without re-traumatizing.
In couples counseling, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy to help partners deeply reconnect on the level of needs and feelings (as opposed to having that same unproductive argument over and over again). Once couples have learned to communicate in a way that is likely to get their needs met and have had help in healing breaches of trust, they generally find they can solve other problems without therapeutic help.
Main Counseling Services:
mental health counseling services (sometimes called “therapy” or “psychotherapy”) for individual adults
couples counseling for couples in conflict, couples seeking to address specific relationship problems, and couples wishing to enhance their relationships
grief counseling, trauma counseling, and treatment for people suffering from anxiety or depression, as well as for those working through identity issues, life transitions, or a variety of other problems
counseling for people adjusting to, or coming to terms with, physical disability, sensory disability, chronic illness, life-threatening illness, or terminal illness
counseling for family members of people with disabilities and/or illnesses, such as those needing help with caregiver stress
counseling for crime victims under Washington State’s Crime Victims Compensation Program.
Education/Training
Substantial advanced training in Emotionally Focused Coupes Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy for Individuals, 2010 to present
MA in Psychology/ Mental Health Counseling, Antioch University Seattle, 2009
Clinical Internship, Navos Mental Health Solutions, Burien, WA, 2008 - 2009
MA and MPhil in English Language and Literature, Yale University, 1991
BA in English Language and Literature, Princeton University, 1987
Bio
Since an important ingredient of our work together will be creating a comfortable working relationship, I’d like to tell you a little bit about me as a person. I’m in my late forties, and am originally from New York. This last may account for the direct and genuine interpersonal style that caused a past supervisor of mine to remark, “You’re so deeply caring with your clients, without being…well…nice.” I like to smile and laugh, and I use and appreciate humor when working with clients. On the other hand, I have personally experienced anxiety and depression and know how difficult (and possible) it can be to live through, and transform, those experiences.
I have been visually impaired since I was a baby, but did not begin fully to appreciate the myriad meanings of that experience until my late 20’s. Over ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, so I also know what it can be like to acquire, live with, and successfully manage, a chronic illness. I have been greatly empowered by both of these experiences.
Prior to retraining as a counselor, I worked as an English and literature instructor, as a writer, and in human services. I am committed to a variety of social justice and human rights causes, and volunteering in their service is an ongoing part of my life.
Memberships
American Counseling Association
Seattle Counselors Association
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Seattle Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy
Northwest Grief Counselors Network
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, paypal, WA Crime Victims Compensation Program
Hours:M, W, TH 2 PM - 9 PM; T 10 AM - 2 PM
Cost/Session
$60 - $120
License:LH 60390527 (Washington State)
Helpful Links
 Seattle Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy:
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International Centre for Exdcellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy:
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Seattle Counseling Thoughts:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Men's Issues
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Relationship Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Couples
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Stress Management
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Depression
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Women's Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
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