Lori Smith , LPC

Lori Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia who brings 27 years of clinical experience to her work with women in their mid 20s to mid 40s. She focuses on life adjustments and transitions, relationship guidance, parenting support, anxiety, stress, family concerns, grief, self-esteem, career questions, coaching, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. As an LPC she has training and licensure to provide professional counseling services.

Lori describes her approach with a hammock metaphor that centers four supporting poles - body, mind, emotions, and spirit - and helps clients manage the weights that life places in their hammocks. For the body she emphasizes breathing techniques, movement to reduce cortisol and increase endorphins, and regular sleep patterns, alongside attention to physical history and medication considerations. For the mind she works to identify and reframe irrational thoughts, and uses bibliotherapy, communication skills training, and career development strategies to lessen cognitive stressors.

On the emotional front she guides clients in processing and expressing feelings, exploring how emotions shape thinking and perception, and encouraging positive peer connections and community. In the realm of spirit she offers space to explore spiritual growth when body, mind, and emotions feel depleted. Lori incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and coaching-oriented interventions to help clients build practical skills and resilience within these areas. She does not provide services for men, couples, employee assistance programs, substance abuse, depression, psychosis, or other more serious clinical issues.

Practical Approaches for Online Support

Lori Smith uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is practical and skills-focused, often useful for anxiety, stress management, and adjusting to life changes. She also offers coaching-oriented work that supports goal setting, career development, and action steps for everyday challenges, drawing on tools to build resilience and clearer communication.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Lori works with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, combining CBT techniques and coaching strategies as appropriate to address relationships, parenting, or coping with transitions.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for clients with busy schedules or limited local options. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home, and practice skills between sessions with a licensed professional or therapist who can adapt methods to the online setting.