Dr. Elyssa Smith Ph.D., LPC, NCC, RPT-S, ACS
My Background & Approach:
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor & Psychotherapist, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Scholar. I approach the counseling process by building a strong therapeutic alliance and strive to join clients in discovering their needs and desires. I am focused on being with rather than doing in psychotherapy.
I draw upon a psychodynamic framework and my post-graduate continuing education in Modern Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Additionally, I completed specialized play therapy training, earning a Mindfulness-Based Play Family Therapy certification. I also invested in training in Sandtray (Family & Play Therapy Center) and Sandplay (Intensive Training Week ISST).
I have extensive experience providing play therapy to children (ages 3-18) and families across schools, community mental health centers, group private practice, and partial hospitalization programs.
Beyond my clinical practice, I served as a tenure-track core faculty member in a graduate-level counseling program, contributing to the training, education, and supervision of future mental health professionals. I am an active member and leader in the field, with my research cited and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Awards & Honors:
Education & Credentials
Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Master of Science (MS)
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NCC)
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)