MY STORY

Hi! I am Dr. Meredith Smith, but please call me Meredith, a licensed psychologist in Colorado since 2010.

I grew up in East Lansing, Michigan and knew I wanted to be in a helping profession from a very young age. I have always been someone that spoke up for others and am not known for going quietly into that good night when I see, hear, or experience injustice. I went into graduate school in 2001 in Chicago Illinois where I worked to understand my own privilege and strongly focused on Carl Rogers Client Centered/Person Centered therapy approach. This approach focuses on genuineness, congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. While I do not practice this theoretic orientation to fidelity these days as I can be more directive when beneficial, these qualities are the foundation of my practice. The main factor in success of therapy is the therapeutic relationship with a client and their therapist and I feel this cannot be successful without the above qualities.

I came to Colorado in 2005 for my doctoral internship in community mental health and have never left. I now live on the Northside of Denver with my dogs Brisket and Olive (They may make an appearance in session at your request:).

My 24 years in the field have given me a breath of experience with all age ranges and situations. I spent half of this time providing direct therapy services, psychological evaluations and trauma assessments. I then pursued leadership in mental health and have been a director in community mental health and residential facilities in several different counties in Coloraodo. I have provided numerous trainings on the impact of trauma, how to build resiliency, and on vicarious trauma/compassion fatigue/burnout. I have also been a mental health disaster responder for over 10 years and pride myself on being able to support those with complex concerns.

I am excited to continue my passion of providing direct services and hope I can make an impact in a more individualized way.