Arianna Smith (she/her)

Highly Sensitive People make up about 15-20% of the general population and possess a unique sensory processing trait that allows them to pick up more on subtleties in the environment. As such, they may become overwhelmed very easily, absorb other people’s emotions, or have difficulty navigating mainstream culture’s expectations. It’s important to work with a therapist who is knowledgeable about this trait and can provide a strengths-based approach as opposed to pathologizing one’s inherent sensitivity. I have undergone specific training to be listed on the hsperson.com website as an HSP-Knowledgable Therapist.

Those within the LGBTQ+ community often face discrimination and prejudice. Many have experienced domestic violence or abuse that goes unrecognized or unacknowledged in a heteronormative society. Oppressive attitudes or micro-agressions from others can be internalized into low self-esteem, feelings of alienation or shame. Having a trusted and identity-affirming therapist can help you take the steps needed to feel a sense of safety, healing, and belonging.

Survivors of violence and abuse (assault, domestic violence, trafficking, stalking, etc) face particular challenges in our culture and society to access services, achieve justice, and receive healing. Despite the extraordinary strength and wisdom that survivors possess, they may feel alienated, alone, or misunderstood. We live in a culture that often blames the survivors for the violence or abuse they have experienced, making the healing process especially difficult. I have specialized training and experience in working with survivors of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, including serving survivors in the LGBTQIA+ community.

I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a memory-based approach that is helpful for getting icky, traumatic, or nagging thoughts or feelings to become less overwhelming and distressing. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (either tapping, tones, or eye movements) to help unpleasant memories become unstuck. Therapists who provide this modality are required to undergo extensive training and credentialing.

One of the main roadmaps I use is called Internal Family Systems. I believe people are made up of ‘parts’ and that every part is important to know and welcome into the room. Everything you do has a purpose and a good intention (even if the impact is harmful) and makes sense within the context of your life.

I lean heavily on Attachment Theory. Attachment theory is great for understanding why you might pick the same (terrible) partner over and over, why you panic when your partner doesn’t text you back immediately, or why you push people away despite feeling lonely.