Derek Smith (He, Him, Himself)

I plan to work and incorporate holistic and integrative care with individuals, couples, and families by assessing and addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. I am a genuine counselor meeting clients where they are and moving them forward towards growth and healing. I believe there is strength in human connections and encourage others towards the goals set in counseling. I work with Adults and adolescents 13+ in Individual, Couple, and Family sessions. Specializing in Substance Addictions, Process Addictions, Trauma, Grief, Life Transitions, Relationship Conflicts, Divorce, Separation, Anxiety, and Depression. Level 2 Gottman Trained. I pull from a variety of theories when working with individuals including, Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Attachment theory, Art Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Narrative, Dreamwork as well as Solution Based Therapy.

Derek is a post-graduate student from the counseling program at the University of North Texas, where he received his Master’s in Science in Clinical Counseling in 2020. He also received his Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 2015 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2002. Derek was a pastor for fifteen years and has worked with various age groups ranging from infants to older adults. Furthermore, he has gained experiential insight through serving and contributing to many international and local communities through church mission trips. Derek has 20 years of creative art experience, which he has a passion for using in counseling – for clients to build insight, awareness, and safety. He believes that counseling through a holistic, integrative approach would help fill a void that many churches are experiencing, and he hopes to bring broader understanding and empathy between mental health and spiritual/religious care. Derek has also worked with a unique population in his graduate internshi