Bernadette Smith, LCMHC

Bernadette Smith is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Utah with 14 years of experience helping people through stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and depression. She listens for strengths in each person and helps them build on what already works. Her approach is direct and practical, aimed at steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Clients can expect a collaborative style that focuses on problem solving and building new skills. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to break down thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for emotional regulation and coping tools when feelings feel overwhelming.

Sessions are conversational and goal oriented. Bernadette helps people set clear, manageable steps and practices between meetings to reinforce change. She emphasizes skills that people can use in daily life to reduce anxiety and improve communication.

Her work often centers on improving relationships by clarifying needs and practicing better ways to talk with others. For addictions and motivation issues she focuses on small, sustainable routines and coping strategies that lower relapse risk and build confidence.

People who choose Bernadette usually want a straightforward plan and steady support. She values each person’s experience and works together with them to tailor therapy to their pace and priorities.

How CBT and DBT translate to online therapy

CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and change behavior patterns that keep problems going. Online sessions can use structured exercises and homework to practice new thinking and routines between meetings. DBT teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills to manage strong feelings and improve communication. Those skills can be taught in short modules and practiced during sessions to build steady coping tools.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to goals and everyday challenges, then suggest CBT, DBT, or a mix based on what seems most useful. Decisions are collaborative, and plans are adjusted as progress is tracked.

Online therapy offers flexibility for different schedules and needs. Video calls let people work face to face without travel. Phone sessions can fit during a commute or a break when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging make it easier to check in between sessions or to share quick updates. These options help people keep consistent momentum and practice new skills in real time.