Vicki Smith
Hi, I’m Vicki Smith. I’m a virtual mental health counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor and offer online counseling through my private practice. I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages.
While I was teaching, I never really thought about becoming a counselor—until one day our school counselor told me I had a “counselor’s heart.” That comment really made me pause and reflect.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, or grief and loss. When life feels heavy or hard to manage, you don’t have to face it alone. My goal is to provide a relaxed, supportive, and warm space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. Together, we’ll work on practical ways to cope, heal, and move toward functioning better and feeling more like you again—all from the comfort of your own home.
First session
Our first session is really about getting to know each other. I want to hear what's going on in your life, what's bringing you to therapy, and what you're hoping to get out of our time together. There's no pressure to tell me your entire life story in one sitting, and you certainly don't have to have everything figured out before we meet. I like to keep things relaxed and conversational. We'll talk about what's been weighing on you, what you'd like to see change, and where you think we should start. I'll ask questions, listen, and probably throw in a little humor along the way. I also want you to feel comfortable asking me questions because therapy works best when we're both on the same page. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you'll feel heard, a little more comfortable, and maybe even a little lighter than when we started. We don't have to solve everything in one hour. We're simply getting to know each other and figuring out how we can work together to help you move toward a happier, healthier version of yourself.
Strengths
While I was teaching, I never really thought about becoming a counselor—until one day our school counselor told me I had a “counselor’s heart.” That comment really made me pause and reflect. I truly believe I have a heart for people. When I see someone in pain, I genuinely want to help. Over my 30 years in education, I’ve seen a lot—experiences you can’t really learn from a book. I’ve worked with people from many different backgrounds, including different races, cultures, genders, and orientations. Growing up as an Army brat, I was exposed to diverse people and frequent transitions early on. I know what it feels like to leave family and friends behind and struggle to find a place where you belong. Those experiences have shaped who I am and have given me deep empathy for others who are facing similar challenges, and so many others as well.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are people who are ready to make changes that help life feel a little lighter and more manageable. Life has a way of piling things on us, and before we know it, we're carrying around stress, worries, hurt feelings, and experiences we've held onto for years. Sometimes we don't even realize how heavy that load has become. I enjoy working with people who are willing to be open, look a little deeper, and figure out what's keeping them stuck. You don't have to know exactly what's wrong or even where to start. That's something we can figure out together. Whether you're dealing with something that's been weighing on you for years or just trying to get through a difficult season of life, we'll work on what matters most to you. I don't expect perfection, and I certainly don't expect you to have all the answers. I just ask that you come willing to show up, be honest with yourself, and stay open to making changes. And remember, simply deciding to give therapy a try is already a success. You've taken that first step toward making life a little easier.
Ongoing work together
I believe therapy should fit the person, not the other way around. No two people are alike, so no two clients will have the same experience with me. I don't believe in cookie-cutter sessions or following a set plan just because that's what we're "supposed" to do next. Our time together will focus on what you need, where you are in life, and what feels most important to work through. Some sessions may involve digging a little deeper into things you've been carrying for years, while others might focus on something that happened yesterday. We may talk things through, challenge old ways of thinking, practice handling difficult situations, or find new ways to approach everyday struggles. I like to keep sessions interactive, and I'm always looking for ways to make our work together meaningful and useful in your everyday life. I'll meet you where you are, but I'll also gently challenge you when I think it might help you grow. We'll celebrate the small victories, work through the setbacks, and adjust our approach as your needs change. My goal isn't to follow a perfect therapy plan. It's to make sure you're getting what you need from our time together and, little by little, helping life feel lighter and more manageable.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on the way people think and act to help them with their emotional and behavioral problems. The goal of therapy is to recognize how these thoughts affect ones feelings and actions. Once these connections between thoughts and emotions are made, you can learn to replace negative thoughts with healthy ones that result in healthier emotions and behaviors. CBT skills and techniques can be applied to most types of psychological difficulties. The ultimate goal of therapy is for you to use these skills and techniques in your daily life to become a healthier and happier you.
Location
Virtual sessions