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KS Portrait of Karyn Smiley

Karyn Smiley

Compassionate, practical therapy for life and relationships

LMFT Texas

Experience
4 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method
Languages
English
Continue with Karyn

About Karyn

Karyn Smiley is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people navigate stress, relationships, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

She works with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen communication, manage mood challenges, and develop practical coping skills for issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, trauma, and parenting concerns. Her background includes supporting families facing more severe mental illness including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and she brings a collaborative, problem-solving focus to therapy.

Smiley draws on evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, narrative approaches, and solution-focused strategies, as well as the Gottman Method for relationship work. With four years of clinical experience and an LMFT credential, she emphasizes empowering clients to understand their emotions and build concrete skills for daily life.

She aims to tailor interventions to each person's goals, helping clients identify realistic steps toward improved wellbeing and healthier relationships.

Approach-Focused Online Therapy for Relationships and Coping



Karyn uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and build practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors. She also integrates the Gottman Method for relationship work, focusing on communication patterns, conflict management, and strengthening emotional connection between partners.

Finding the best therapeutic approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist works with each client to clarify goals, test different strategies, and adjust methods over time so the plan fits the client’s needs and preferences rather than relying on a single technique from the start.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different rhythms of life and comfort levels. These options make it easier to schedule regular work on goals, to access therapy from home or work, and to continue support during transitions or busy periods.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Karyn commonly address?
She assists with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, parenting challenges, mood disorders like bipolar and depression, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, self esteem, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach blends practical, skills-based techniques with narrative work and relational methods; sessions focus on solution building, emotional understanding, and improving communication within relationships.
What kind of clinical experience does she have?
She has four years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families and has supported families managing more severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds an LMFT credential and is licensed in Texas with the designation TX LMFT 203652.
Does she provide services in languages other than English or to international clients?
Sessions are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for working with her?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility in how clients connect.
How are costs and payment handled?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesBipolar disorder

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesBody imageCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessLife purposeSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

Texas

Languages

English