Rachel Schmittou, LMSW, LCSW

Rachel Schmittou is a licensed social worker with 24 years of clinical experience who supports adults and families navigating stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, and parenting challenges. She holds both LMSW and LCSW credentials - LMSW means Licensed Master Social Worker and LCSW means Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and maintains professional licensure in Michigan and Florida.

Rachel focuses on creating an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can name difficult feelings and explore their experience honestly. Her practice emphasizes collaborative work with each person to identify patterns, improve communication, and develop practical coping skills for day-to-day life. Rachel also addresses concerns such as abandonment and attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, control and forgiveness struggles, isolation and loneliness, and questions about life purpose and women's issues.

Recognizing that starting therapy takes courage, Rachel offers steady support as clients take those first steps toward a more fulfilling life. She works with individuals and families to build clarity, strengthen relationships, and develop strategies that align with each client’s goals and values.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Care

Rachel draws on evidence-based, practical approaches tailored to each person's needs. One approach emphasizes skills-based work for stress and anxiety, helping clients learn breathing, relaxation, and thought-management techniques that can reduce day-to-day overwhelm and increase emotional regulation. Another approach focuses on relationship and family-centered work, exploring communication patterns, roles, and boundaries to improve connection and resolve conflict. She also integrates attachment-informed perspectives when abandonment or attachment concerns arise, helping clients understand relational patterns and build more secure connections.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Rachel collaborates with clients to determine which methods fit their goals, values, and preferences. She and the client review progress together and adapt techniques as needed so treatment stays relevant and effective.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals from home or while traveling, support consistent engagement, and allow clients to choose the communication style that feels most comfortable.