Hi! My name is River Smith! (They/Them)

 

I am an intern who is currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Knox College in Galesburg, IL. In the past, I’ve also worked as a psychosocial group facilitator in a residential mental health center.​

 

Who do I work with?

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I work with individuals who are aged 18+ who are experiencing life transitions and struggling with anxiety and mood disorders. As a member of the queer community, I am passionate about providing support to clients who are also queer and seeking support with identity exploration. 

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What approaches do I utilize?  

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My approach to therapy is centered around the development of the therapeutic relationship. I value warmth, empathy, and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship as I believe that growth happens when clients feel safe enough to bring their whole self into the relationship.

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I always strive to meet clients where they are at to ensure that their care is tailored to their specific needs. I draw from humanistic and feminist frameworks when providing therapy, and I incorporate a strengths based, relational, and neurodivergent affirming perspective in my practice to ensure that I am valuing the unique strengths and skills that each client enters the therapy space with. Additionally, I believe that the person is political and work to incorporate a systemic perspective to understand how the broader social forces and systems of oppression affect my clients.