Your Questions, Answered

  • I offer individual therapy for adults and teens, both in office and remotely. I specialize in treating PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and emotional regulation.

    Specialized treatments may include EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, CBT, Polyvagal therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

  • That curiosity alone is meaningful. Many people who seek trauma therapy aren’t sure their experiences “count” as trauma, or they worry that what they’ve been through isn’t “bad enough.” You don’t need to have a specific label, memory, or diagnosis to benefit from trauma-informed care.

    Trauma can show up in many ways — feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, on edge, or having difficulty trusting yourself or others. If past experiences continue to affect how you feel, relate, or cope today, trauma therapy may be a supportive place to explore that, at your own pace.

    Trauma therapy is not about reliving painful memories before you’re ready. It’s about creating safety, building understanding, and helping your nervous system find steadiness again. Together, we would work gently and collaboratively, always respecting your boundaries and your readiness.

    You don’t have to be certain before reaching out. A consultation can be a space to ask questions, share what’s bringing you here, and see whether this approach feels like a good fit for you. You deserve support that feels safe, compassionate, and attuned to your experience.

  • Working with me is meant to feel collaborative, grounded, and human. I show up as a real person — thoughtful, compassionate, and attuned — while also bringing professional care and structure to our work together. My role isn’t to “fix” you, but to walk alongside you as we make sense of what you’ve been carrying and explore what healing might look like for you.

    I move at your pace and prioritize safety and trust. Some sessions may feel reflective and gentle; others may feel more active or emotionally deep. We’ll check in often about what feels helpful and what doesn’t, because your experience matters. You don’t need to have the right words, a clear goal, or a polished story — you can show up exactly as you are.

    Clients often tell me they feel heard, respected, and less alone in our work together. My hope is that therapy feels like a place where you can exhale, be honest, and gradually build more clarity, resilience, and self-compassion — both in session and beyond.

  • I believe therapy should feel both supportive and useful. While creating a warm, human space is essential, I also value offering tools and strategies you can actually use in your daily life — not just insights that stay in the therapy room. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and walk away with skills that make things feel more manageable between sessions.

    I balance flexibility with structure. That means our work is guided by evidence-based, specialized approaches, but never rigid or one-size-fits-all. I adapt therapy to you — your pace, your goals, and what feels most relevant in the moment — while still providing a clear sense of direction and intention.

    Most importantly, I show up as a real person. I’m collaborative, curious, and honest, and I welcome feedback along the way. Therapy with me isn’t about doing things “right”; it’s about finding what genuinely works for you and supporting sustainable change that fits into your real life.

  • The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a sense of safety and trust. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and any questions or concerns you may have. There’s no pressure to share everything all at once — you’re always in control of what you choose to discuss.

    I’ll also ask some gentle questions about your history, current stressors, and what support has (or hasn’t) been helpful for you in the past. This helps me understand you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. Along the way, I’ll explain how I work and what therapy together might look like, so you have a clear sense of what to expect.

    Most importantly, the first session is about fit. We’ll pay attention to how the conversation feels and whether this space feels supportive for you. You can ask questions, share feedback, or simply notice your experience. Many clients leave the first session feeling a bit more grounded, informed, and less alone — even if things don’t feel “figured out” yet.

  • I see clients Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with the last appointment starting at 5:00pm.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through the contact form, calling 863-316-4769, or emailing megansmith@pathwaytohealingts.com —I’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.