Marian Smith, LMHC, LPC

Marian Smith is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in Florida with more than 21 years of experience. She holds the credential LMHC and is also licensed as an LPC in Virginia. Marian combines counseling and personal development coaching to help people move past overwhelm and regain a sense of direction.

She listens carefully and works together with each person to build a simple, specific plan. Sessions focus on clear objectives so progress can be measured. People who feel anxious after big life changes or trauma often come away feeling more calm and confident.

Marian draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered therapy, and Solution-Focused methods to help people reframe problems and find workable strategies. Practical steps and short-term goals are emphasized so clients notice real changes in daily life.

She has experience with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, parenting stress, relationship difficulties, addictions, grief, sleep problems, and career decisions. Additional focuses include communication problems, family of origin issues, forgiveness, and life purpose.

In sessions she aims to identify what’s getting in the way and help clients replace old patterns with new skills. Marian supports people as they practice those skills between sessions and track small wins. She offers a straightforward, compassionate approach that encourages steady progress.

How Marian’s approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered therapy focuses on listening and empathy. The therapist follows what matters most to the person and helps them find their own solutions, which fits well into video or phone conversations where talking is central.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often involves setting small goals, doing short exercises, and reviewing progress - tasks that transfer easily to messaging, phone check-ins, or video sessions.

Solution-Focused Therapy looks at strengths and next steps rather than dwelling on problems. It is useful when someone wants clear, practical action items to try between meetings and to track during follow-ups.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to pick methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences, and will adjust plans as progress is seen.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions can fit into a busy day or require less bandwidth, live chat is good for shorter check-ins, and text-based messaging supports ongoing check-ins and brief exercises. These formats make it easier to practice skills and keep momentum between sessions.