Lori Smith , LPC

Lori Smith is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) located in Virginia with 27 years of experience supporting women through major life changes. She works primarily with women in their mid 20s to mid 40s who are navigating life adjustments and transitions, managing anxiety, seeking relationship guidance, or looking for parental support.

Her practice centers on a holistic hammock metaphor in which four supports - Body, Mind, Emotions, and Spirit - help hold a person steady under life’s varying weights. For the Body she emphasizes breathing practices to calm the heart rate, movement and exercise to reduce cortisol and boost endorphins, and attention to sleep, medical history, and medications that influence mood and focus. For the Mind she helps clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts, uses bibliotherapy and communication skills, and incorporates career development when relevant.

In the Emotions domain she guides clients in expressing feelings, understanding how emotions shape thinking and perception, and building positive peer and community connections. For Spirit she offers space to explore spiritual growth as a source of renewal when body, mind, and emotions feel depleted. She does not see men, couples, EAP referrals, or clients presenting with substance abuse, depression, psychosis, or other more serious clinical issues.

Lori combines practical skill building with reflective exploration so clients can strengthen each support in their hammock and better manage life’s stressors and transitions.

CBT-Informed Care and Flexible Online Sessions

Lori Smith often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her online work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, helping clients reduce anxiety and manage stress through practical exercises and skills practice. She also brings a coaching-oriented stance for clients who want goal-focused support around career development, parenting strategies, or life transitions - this approach emphasizes concrete steps and problem-solving to move toward specific outcomes.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Lori works with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time so the plan remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy with Lori is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy schedules and differing comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals from home or work, fit sessions around caregiving or jobs, and maintain continuity of care during life changes.