Laura Smith , LCMHC

Laura Smith is a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) practicing in North Carolina with eight years of clinical experience. She has worked with men, women, adolescents, and children across a wide range of concerns, including family violence, sexual assault and abuse, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, conflict resolution, multicultural issues, LGBT-related concerns, parenting, couples counseling, and bereavement. Her goal is to empower people to reach their own conclusions and find practical ways to move forward.

Laura aims to create a warm, inviting therapeutic experience grounded in compassion, respect, and sensitivity. She draws on several evidence-informed orientations - including person-centered, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, narrative, and family systems approaches - and adapts her methods to meet each person where they are. This flexible stance allows her to tailor support to individual needs, whether the focus is on coping with trauma, improving relationships, addressing mood concerns, or building self-esteem.

Reaching out for help is acknowledged as an act of strength, and Laura approaches each consultation with patience and a collaborative spirit. She works to help people identify goals and practical steps, offering guidance while centering the client’s perspective and values.

Evidence-Informed Care and Online Support

Laura integrates cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral approaches alongside family systems perspectives to address a variety of concerns. Cognitive behavioral techniques focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical behavioral strategies emphasize emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - tools that often help with intense emotions and relationship challenges. Family systems work looks at patterns within relationships and family roles to support healthier communication and problem-solving.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Laura partners with each person to explore which techniques feel most useful for their goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds and needs evolve.

Online therapy with Laura is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules and different comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home, and fit sessions into varied routines while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor treatment to each individual.