Maria Smartt, LMSW, LISW

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead and supports personal insight and self-directed change. It helps with issues like self-esteem, relationship concerns, and motivation by emphasizing empathy and collaboration. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a structured approach that connects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; it offers practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns through skill-building and goal setting. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that strengthens a person’s own motivation to change, useful for addressing ambivalence around behaviors such as substance use or other lifestyle changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Maria works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress is made. This partnership helps ensure techniques feel relevant and sustainable.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging adds practical flexibility, allowing therapy to fit into varied schedules and life circumstances. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home or work, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for each person.