Elizabeth Smith , LCSW

Elizabeth Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Oregon. She draws on five years as a psychotherapist and a longer history in social work to help people manage anxiety, mood struggles, and relationship strain. She aims to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can speak honestly and start to make practical changes.

Elizabeth focuses on daily stress, panic and anxiety, bipolar and depressive episodes, and recovery after trauma or emotional abuse. She also helps people who are navigating grief, midlife transitions, workplace stress, and questions about intimacy and self-worth. Women’s issues are one of the areas she gives particular attention to when relevant.

Her style is person-centered and collaborative. Sessions tend to be conversational and goal-oriented, with attention to how past attachments shape present relationships. She uses techniques from cognitive behavioral approaches and mindfulness to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and practice new responses.

Clients can expect practical tools for coping, clearer communication strategies, and work on building self-compassion. Elizabeth also offers coaching-style support for people aiming for specific life changes. She describes herself as caring and direct, and she partners with each person to set manageable steps.

Elizabeth has worked in community mental health with people who have long-term serious mental illness, and she brings that grounding into brief and ongoing therapy. Her background in social work informs a strengths-based approach and attention to real-life barriers when planning changes.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Attachment-Based Therapy emphasizes how early bonds affect current relationships and helps people notice patterns in closeness and trust. It can be useful for those struggling with abandonment, attachment issues, or intimacy-related difficulties.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on meeting people where they are and following their pace. The therapist offers empathy and support while the person identifies goals and chooses which areas to work on, such as self-esteem, grief, or life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms. It often includes practical exercises and short at-home practice between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Elizabeth will collaborate with each person to choose or combine methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That plan can change over time as priorities shift.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people read facial cues and try role-play or communication practice. Phone sessions can be helpful when lower bandwidth or a hands-free check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging make it easier to check in between sessions or fit therapy into a busy day.