Natalia “Natasha” L. Smith, PhD, LICSW-S/PIP (AL), LCSW (NC), BC-TMH
ASBSWE Approved Clinical Supervisor
Prepare/Enrich Certified
Hi, my name is Natasha, and I am so glad that you are here!
I am a therapist with over a decade of clinical experience helping adults at various stages of life. More importantly, I am also someone who understands that none of us have it all figured out - life is hard sometimes, relationships bring us more stress than peace, and we don’t always know how to navigate this thing called life.
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I believe it is important to know more than just a name and a list of credentials. I invite you to get to know the person behind the therapist, learn more about what you can expect when we work together, and explore my education and clinical experience to see whether I may be the right fit for you.
Owner & Therapist
The Person Behind the Therapist
I was born in Ukraine and spent my early childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by a family in Alabama. Long before I became a therapist, I was someone who:
was impacted by substance use and poverty
knew what it was like to be hungry, and experienced the generosity of a stranger who didn’t have much but still gave what they had
had more questions than answers about my biological roots and who I was
struggled to separate who I am as a person from the pain that I had experienced
questioned where I belonged in this world
carried shame and embarrassment about where I came from, the choices I made, and the people I hurt
The list could go on. But that’s not my whole story.
The person behind the therapist also really enjoys life. Things that bring me joy include:
being a wife and a dog parent to a corgi named Penny (look how cute she is!)
experimenting with cooking and baking recipes
enjoying cross-stitching, hiking, and watching my favorite TV shows, like Ted Lasso
giving out candy on Halloween to the trick-or-treaters
experiencing fall, winter, and spring transitions
decorating for the Holidays
a good cup of coffee in the morning
All of these pieces, and more, make up the person behind the therapist who will meet you where you are.
The Therapist You'll Meet
Therapy can already feel a little mysterious, especially when you are not sure what to expect. I want you to have a sense of what our work together might look like before you walk through the door.
I hold dear the trust and sacredness of the therapeutic relationship, and it is a privilege to walk alongside my clients and witness their lives unfold.
The milestones below represent more than degrees, licenses, and certifications. They represent years of learning, clinical training, and commitment to the social work profession and the clients I have served.
My professional training is based on extensive experience working with children, adults, and families navigating complex life circumstances, such as children and families experiencing trauma and co-occurring mental health needs. I have worked in settings such as therapeutic foster care and residential treatment for children and youth in foster care, outpatient therapy with kinship families, and with adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns and needs, including providing in-person and exclusively telemental health therapy. These experiences, together with years of formal education, have contributed to a deep understanding of the systems, transitions, relationships, and challenges that can impact mental health across the lifespan.