kelsey smith, msw, lcsw
I believe there is so much power in being able to be your authentic self without fear of judgment. Once we can look at what makes you YOU, with curiosity instead of judgement, meaningful growth happens. It’s so important to me to create this space for my clients so they can release shame, grow a stronger relationship with themselves and ultimately live a more meaningful life.
Therapy is not a one size fits all process and I enjoy tailoring my approach to each of my clients’ unique needs. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is that you connect with your therapist and I strive to create a relaxed environment that is more human to human than therapist to client. I use a psychodynamic approach as well as ACT, narrative therapy, DBT, CBT, and mindfulness based approaches, although I am committed to finding what modality works best for each of my clients.
Aside from private practice therapy, I also currently provide therapy to college students at a University outside of Philadelphia. I have over ten years of experience in various therapy settings including working with adults, parents, families, teens and children. I worked with parents in a neonatal intensive care unit as well as on the maternity floor, which grew my passion for working with perinatal and postpartum women, as well as parents who have experienced miscarriage and perinatal loss. With both professional experience and my own lived experience of pregnancy loss, fertility challenges and parenting, I have the unique opportunity to support my clients from a deep place of empathy and understanding.
When I’m not seeing clients, I enjoy hiking, gardening, going to flea markets and antique shops, yoga and spending time with my family and friends. I live in Chester County, PA with my husband, daughter and our sweet Alaskan Malamute.
education & training
University of Pennsylvania: Master of Social Work from the School of Social Policy and Practice
West Chester University of Pennsylvania: Bachelor of Social Work
License of Clinical Social Work (Pennsylvania): License Number: CW023657
License of Clinical Social Work (Delaware): License Number: Q5-0000115
Additional Trainings
Perinatal Mental Health training through Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Penn Program for Mindfulness & Meditation: completed in 2015
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers Conference: May of 2016
Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Beck Institute
Training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through Main Line Health