My Approach to Helping
With a profound commitment to promoting healing and growth, I am Nikki Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My journey began by dedicating a decade to working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma in foster care and adoption settings at my local social services agency. This foundational experience instilled in me a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and families. I attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA for my undergraduate work and completed my graduate program through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. After a brief period engaging in Therapeutic Day Treatment and child and family mentoring, I pursued further education to attain a clinical mental health counseling degree. Throughout my career, I have maintained a focus on serving youth aged 5-17, incorporating family work into the individual work, and expanding my practice to include adults during my LPC residency. I have had the privilege of offering therapy in diverse settings, including in-office sessions, school-based interventions, and incorporating equine-assisted therapy into my approach. In my personal time, I find solace and rejuvenation in nature, whether it be capturing its beauty through amateur photography or finding joy in cherished moments at Disney World with my family. At the beach, I revel in the soothing rhythms of the ocean, reflecting on the power of nature to bring comfort and peace.