Lori Smith, LPC - Therapist in Virginia

About Lori

Lori Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia who focuses on relationship and parenting concerns. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and compassion fatigue. Her approach is practical and straightforward, aimed at helping clients stabilize day-to-day functioning and feel more capable in their roles at home and work.

In sessions she uses a simple metaphor: a hammock supported by four bars - body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

Background and approach

She helps people strengthen each bar by teaching breathing and sleep habits, addressing unhelpful thoughts, practicing emotional expression, and exploring spiritual resources when helpful. Lori includes concrete exercises so skills can be used between sessions. Lori draws on 27 years of counseling experience and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, known as CBT, to spot thinking patterns that increase stress.

She pairs that approach with practical coaching around communication and career issues when those topics come up. Her work often involves short, actionable steps rather than long theory talks. Sessions are offered in English and take place online through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Pricing varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, a prospective client selects the Start Therapy button, completes a short matching questionnaire, and schedules according to therapist availability. The initial steps aim to match goals and logistics so sessions can focus on the most pressing concerns.

Practical approaches and how online therapy supports them

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Lori uses CBT to help people notice unhelpful thought patterns, test those thoughts, and try small behavioral changes that reduce stress and improve daily routines. This method is especially useful for anxiety, stress, and issues that affect relationships and work.

She also uses straightforward coaching techniques to practice communication and problem solving. That can include role-playing conversations, building a step-by-step plan for parenting challenges, or setting realistic career goals. These hands-on exercises aim to produce skills clients can use between sessions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Lori will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and comfort level, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made. The focus stays practical and goal-oriented, so sessions feel useful from the start.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule around work and family demands, practice skills in real time, and continue care when life is busy or travel is needed. Licensed professionals can use these formats to provide exercises, feedback, and follow-up between sessions, helping therapy stay consistent and relevant to everyday life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Lori focus on?

She focuses on relationship and parenting concerns as well as stress, anxiety, life changes, grief, self esteem, career concerns, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.

What style of therapy is used in sessions?

Sessions rely on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and change unhelpful thoughts, paired with coaching and practical exercises for daily life.

How long has Lori been practicing?

She has 27 years of counseling experience working with a variety of life and relationship challenges.

What credentials and location are listed?

Lori holds the LPC credential and is licensed in Virginia with license number VA LPC 0701002629.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with Lori?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What formats are used for sessions?

Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs.

How does the process of starting therapy work?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Relationship issues
Parenting issues
Coping with life changes

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience: 27 years
Licensed: Virginia
Languages: English

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