Dr. Smith has served the profession in many capacities including hospital/inpatient/residential treatment facilities, private practice, private school, and non-profit/agency work. Dr. Smith has a wide range of clinical experience working with children, and their families. She specializes in pediatric neuropsychology, specifically in ADHD, traumatic brain injury, complex learning difficulties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia), Visual processing disorder and other cognitive complexities that complicate learning, emotional functioning, and social interaction. Dr. Smith has extensive experience working with children who have experienced complex trauma in both therapy and evaluations. In therapy, Dr. Smith believes a child’s best way to communicate their thoughts and feelings is through their natural language of play. She utilizes philosophies and techniques from Jungian play therapy, child centered play therapy, directive play therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Smith considers herself to be a Jungian play therapist and uses a variety of mediums to illicit the unconscious process addressing complex trauma, nightmares, repressed feelings, and system dynamics. Dr. Smith strives to effect positive change through working with all systems that impact the child. This includes therapeutic parenting and school interventions/advocacy as needed. Dr. Smith believes that therapy provides an opportunity for self-discovery and growth through a safe and supportive relationship.

 

Dr. Smith is the co-founder and former director of child development of a private Montessori and Waldorf nature school where she is still actively involved, enjoying her new role as parent. Dr. Smith loves the beach, water, yoga, and has hopes of someday scuba diving on the great barrier reef. Dr. Smith enjoys good coffee, green smoothies, traveling, and music. She has been married to her husband Dr. Brett for 12 years and has two boys (9) and (4) years old who love to make sofa forts, have nerf gun wars, and are in constant motion. They all live in Frisco under the ruling of their princess, a little white puppy, Zuzu (who maybe someday will join our office staff as a therapy dog).