Willow Wakeley-Smith, LCSW - Therapist in Missouri

About Willow

Willow Wakeley-Smith is a licensed clinical social worker who uses straightforward, practical therapy to help people facing stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, and mood concerns. She keeps sessions focused on the problems you bring and on real changes you can try between meetings. Her approach is warm and respectful, and she adapts plans as needs shift over time.

She brings five years of clinical experience working with adults, backed by more than a decade of professional work with children in school settings.

Background and approach

That background gives her a grounded view of parenting struggles and how family life affects an adult's well-being. She holds an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and practices in Missouri. In sessions she blends practical skills with conversations that clarify goals and values.

Willow uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thinking and from mindfulness to manage stress in the moment. She also draws on client-centered listening and motivational interviewing to support motivation and change. She often works with concerns related to ADHD, depression, bipolar mood issues, addiction, grief, sleep problems, and self-esteem.

Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care, autism and Asperger syndrome, gender dysphoria, and communication or control issues within family life. Willow recognizes therapy as an evolving process and checks progress along the way. Sessions emphasize doable strategies and practical next steps so people can see the effects of their work in daily life.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Willow uses client-centered therapy to build a trusting space where people can speak without judgment and set goals that matter to them. This approach focuses on listening, clarifying values, and shaping treatment around each person's priorities.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT to identify patterns of thinking that make stress and anxiety worse. CBT offers clear, practical exercises to change unhelpful thoughts and gradually shift behaviors, which can help with mood, sleep, and attention concerns.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. Willow will work with the client to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and comfort level. That collaborative process often means trying a few techniques and checking what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling easier. These formats let people fit therapy into busy days, continue work during life transitions, and follow a plan without long commutes. Willow uses these options to provide flexible, regular contact and practical homework between sessions.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed here?

Common areas include stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, depression, ADHD, addictions, trauma, grief, sleep problems, and self-esteem.

How does Willow approach therapy?

She combines client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to build practical skills and clarify goals.

What is Willow's background and experience?

She has five years of clinical work with adults and over ten years of professional experience working with children in school settings.

Where is Willow licensed and practicing?

Willow is licensed in Missouri as an LCSW with licence number MO LCSW 2024010996.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Therapy can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are fees and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Parenting issues
Bipolar disorder

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Licensed: Missouri
Languages: English

Next step

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