My approach with therapy has been often described as “eclectic.”
I pull from varying therapeutic approaches to be able to tailor and center treatment to the person I am working with. In my years in the clinical field, I have learned how to facilitate individual and group therapy practices that are “evidence based.” I am also aware that these practices, while having useful techniques, have historically not been tailored for the populations that I serve. I feel that, as a professional, I have a responsibility to make the tools that can be beneficial and to make them accessible for all. I value the principles of mental wellness while also diligently addressing the fact that current practices of psychotherapy have a lot of catching up to do to keep on track with current challenges that many folks face in our society. I also value humor and transparency. If there is something I don’t know, I will try my best to find out or find you someone who does. I prefer to level out the inherent power structure of being a therapist and offer warmth and authenticity.
-Diadra Smith
Methodologies
These are a few evidence based practices that I use to inform the work that we will be doing together.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DBT
DBT is a type of talk therapy that teaches skills based on principles of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
This therapy is right for you if:
- You desire to improve interpersonal communication
- You struggle with self-worth
- You experience intense emotions frequently
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
ACT
ACT is a person-centered therapy that emphasizes acceptance of the present and making value-based commitments.
This therapy is right for you if:
- You struggle with rigid thinking
- You want to do work that feels personally empowering
- You have not resonated with CBT or DBT
Exposure Response Prevention
ERP
ERP is a first-line treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders that utilizes exposures to decrease stress from obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
This therapy is right for you if:
- You struggle with avoidant behaviors
- You frequently seek reassurance
- You spend more time than you would like on thoughts and rituals