Portland Therapy Center
Lesley Smith

Lesley Smith (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

I use a trauma-informed, self-compassion focused lens to help you with anxiety and other emotions that feel too big to handle alone.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $110

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2017

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

Do you notice moments where it feels like your emotions take over or else you numb yourself because you're afraid that if you feel your emotions they won't stop? I work with people to help them understand, cope with, and tolerate their emotions. I frequently see people who just experienced a major life change or feel like they're stuck and need something to change. I work with folks to help them figure out what their next steps are, so they can like themselves and their lives a little bit more.

My Approach to Helping

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon and I hold a Master’s of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago. The primary type of therapy I use is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive practice lens. I aim to be creative in my approach, meaning that I want to adapt to whatever approach best fits your needs. I have been privileged to work with individuals and groups in outpatient, shelter, and crisis service settings. I specialize in working with people with anxiety, difficulty regulating emotions, recent life transitions, and communication issues. I am here to witness your emotions, help you find harmony, and discover where you want to go.

My Values as a Therapist

My main value is safety - I want you to feel safe during our time together. This is why I also say that I use anti-oppressive practice. To me, that means that I am constantly learning and growing along with you. It means that I am open to understanding the identities that you hold, beyond the labels, with the hope that you aren't needing to educate me. This also means that I will label racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other oppressive systems when they show up in our time together. I do this because these systems of oppression impact our experience of the world and our relationships. I value curiosity and want to learn more about you and your relationships with the labels you hold. I take a non-judgmental stance and want to help you figure out what works best for you. also value creativity in the therapy space and want to make sure I am adjusting my approach to fit your needs. I look forward to exploring your needs and supporting you on your journey.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) External link

    This is the primary modality I use. I took a course on ACT during my Master's program and an intensive training on 2018. I attend a monthly ACT consult group and continue to access books and other resources on ACT.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) External link

    I took a course on DBT during my Master's program and practice DBT-informed therapy at my first outpatient therapy position and continue to incorporate DBT skills into my practice since.

  • Eclectic External link

    I incorporate aspects of Somatic Therapy, Harm-Reduction, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my practice, as appropriate.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Anxiety External link

    I have a history of working with individuals experiencing anxiety.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I am a member of the LGBTQ community and have experience treating folks who are questioning and transitioning. I attend a weekly consult group with other providers who work with LGBTQ-identified folks.

  • PTSD External link

    I have a history of working with trauma and have attended multiple trainings on the issue. I continue to educate myself on PTSD and treatment for PTSD.

  • Women's Issues External link

    I have experience working with female-identified people and am knowledgable on the unique experiences of these individuals and the ways that patriarchy influences our lived experience.

Contact Lesley

Optional note (300 character limit). Please do not include sensitive medical information.