Jessica Smith, LMSW

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: The therapy process can be an invaluable place of growth, learning and connection. I genuinely love building rapport with my clients and supporting them as they navigate through their own journey. I find it incredibly important to be a consistent, reliable and supportive place for my clients to lean into their vulnerabilities. Creating a safe space is a priority for me, all the while challenging and motivating my clients.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: I am a cisgender, white woman as well as a Navy spouse, mother of three and social worker by education and training. I work primarily in the clinical setting, and value the importance of research to push the boundaries of evidence-based practices.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about:

• Generalized anxiety, depression and management of life fluctuations
• Eating disorders and/ or the maintenance of disordered eating
• Mindfulness, grounding activities and yogic practices
• Working with those impacted by trauma

I work best with clients who:

• Are engaged in the therapy process
• Intrinsically motivated and open to new ideas
• Open and honest even when challenging

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are interested in couple’s therapy and/or looking for a quick fix.

What makes me unique: I genuinely love the therapy process. It is important for me to use my strengths of empathy, kindness and compassion in my work as a therapist. Feeling calm and grounded is an essential part of who I am, and I seek to carry this into my therapy practice.

LEARNING AND GROWING

In addition to my role as a therapist, I am very passionate about research in the mental health field. I am currently completing my PhD at the University of Maryland, Baltimore where I advocate for vulnerable populations, research social justice and ensure the clinical interventions we implement are the best possible tool for our clients. Some of my research projects currently are on psychedelic assisted therapies for addiction, body integration and emotion regulation in eating disorders as well as mindfulness for opioid misuse.

FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING

What resources me to build resilience: in order to adequately balance work, family and a busy lifestyle it is essential for me to find moments of grounding within my own body. Some of these activities include meditation, yoga, walking or trail running. By devoting this time to myself, I can serve my clients, my research and my family to the best of my abilities.

EDUCATION

• University of Pennsylvania, BA
• University of Southern California, MSW
• University of Maryland Baltimore, PhD Candidate

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAININGS 

• Licensed Social Worker
• Certified experienced yoga instructor (ERYT-200), with a focus/certification in trauma informed yoga (TIY)
• Certified in Body Image/Body Dysmorphia
• Trained in Clinical Approaches for Treatment of Bulimia (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
• Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Certified in Health at Every Size (HAES) approach

What I’m Currently Reading:

Demon Copperhead, as well as qualitative research method texts

*Jessica is supervised by Christine Coyle, LCSW-C