Meet Gina Smith, M.Div., LISW-CP
Believer. Encourager. Lifelong learner.
As a therapist, I BELIEVE that anyone is capable of making positive changes in their life and is able to pursue growth. I also believe that each person, couple, or family I meet is doing the best they can with what they have before them at the present time. My approach is based on my belief that an accepting and supportive relationship is the most effective vehicle for changes and growth rather than an attempt to “fix”, diagnose, persuade or judge. Through our relationship, we will address difficult issues, distressing emotions, negative patterns of behavior, and negative interactional patterns in relationships. I believe human experience includes both tremendous joy as well as pain and suffering. It is my desire to join you in this important personal journey, and honor any part of your experience as you courageously share it with me.
As an ENCOURAGER, I am truly glad to see you and glad to be with you. I genuinely enjoy my work as a therapist. I am interested in the stories of each person I meet, and how those stories have unfolded over time to bring a person to the place they are now. For me, connecting with you happens by putting myself in your shoes. I have been called a “natural therapist” because I find listening, attuning, respecting, and having compassion to come with ease. This quality, along with intuitive ability and skills I have acquired through years of study and experience, make our therapeutic relationship a safe place for you.
As a LIFELONG LEARNER, I am committed to challenge myself to grow in my personal and professional life. I engage in practices to benefit my personal life and health. Likewise, I grow professionally through participation with a peer consultation group, a learning consortium with exposure to current therapeutic modalities and experts in the field, and through participation in leadership seminars. For the past several years I have completed over 100 hours of training in an attachment based model of therapy called emotionally focused therapy, which greatly influences my therapy approach. “More curiosity, less judgement” is a motto I follow as I continue learning from my best teachers, my clients.
Gina is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience. Gina served several state and mental health agencies before beginning Lifeway Counseling to focus specifically on providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds, faith perspectives, lifestyles, and sexual orientations. Gina is a Christ follower and believes that her faith roots have taught her to be gracious in her work as a therapist, respecting all persons and all problems.
Specialties
Individual therapy, specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety
Grief, loss, transitions, separation, divorce, and trauma
Adolescents and pre-adolescents
Degrees and Professional Affiliations
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Furman University, Class of 1983
Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Class of 1986
Masters of Science in Social Work - Children and Families, University of Louisville, Class of 1992
Member - National Association of Social Workers, License #5329, State of South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners
Member - the Learning Consortium of the Midlands
Member - International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy