Willow Wakeley-Smith , LCSW

Willow Wakeley-Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Missouri. As an LCSW she brings clinical training in social work to support adults and families facing stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, depression, ADHD, addiction, relationship and family concerns, trauma, grief, sleep difficulties, self-esteem struggles, career questions, and other life transitions. Her approach emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring treatment to each person’s unique circumstances and evolving goals.

Willow combines practical strategies with a collaborative stance to help clients see measurable changes in daily life. She recognizes the real investment of time and resources that therapy requires and prioritizes meaningful progress that translates into improved functioning and coping. Her background includes more than a decade of professional work with children and five years of clinical work with adults experiencing both moderate and significant mental health challenges.

In addition to experience working in schools with parents and students with disabilities, Willow works with adults across a wide range of concerns and life stages. She crafts individualized care plans and adjusts methods as needs change, aiming to meet clients where they are and support sustainable improvement.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Willow Wakeley-Smith

Willow uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, empathetic space where the client’s perspective guides the work. This approach helps people clarify values, build self-understanding, and set goals that feel meaningful. She also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and to improve daily functioning. Mindfulness therapy is another tool she uses to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress-management skills useful for mood regulation, attention difficulties, and coping with strong emotions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Willow works with each person to determine which methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time as progress unfolds. The aim is to find practical, evidence-informed techniques that fit the individual.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, or caregiving responsibilities and to access consistent support from licensed professionals without geographical barriers.