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MS Portrait of Marlene Smith

Marlene Smith

Collaborative, skills-based support for life changes

LPC West Virginia

Experience
3 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Marlene

About Marlene

Marlene Smith is a licensed LPC based in West Virginia who focuses on supporting people managing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, depression, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on a mix of cognitive and relational methods to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop practical skills for coping and problem solving. Marlene emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients can explore feelings and try new ways of responding to difficult situations.

Her practice also addresses a range of related concerns including attachment difficulties, communication problems, body image, commitment issues, and the impact of adoption or foster care. With three years of professional experience as an LPC (WV LPC 2873), she offers a blend of structured techniques and empathic listening to tailor care to each person's needs.

Marlene encourages those taking the first step toward therapy and works to help them feel understood while building skills for lasting change.

Approach-driven care delivered online



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression; it is practical and skill-oriented, often teaching tools clients can use between sessions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns in close relationships, helping people understand how early bonds influence current interactions and emotional responses, which can be useful for improving communication and resolving relational stress.

Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to assess goals, preferences, and presenting concerns, combining methods as needed to create a personalized plan rather than prescribing a single technique from the outset.

Online sessions are offered through video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited local options. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, try different communication styles, and receive ongoing support that fits daily life while working toward therapeutic goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Marlene commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem challenges, depression, and coping with life changes, along with related areas such as attachment, body image, and family problems.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
The approach blends client-centered listening with evidence-informed techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other relational modalities to help clients build skills and process emotions.
How much clinical experience does she bring?
She has three years of experience as a licensed professional counselor working with the concerns listed in her profile.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is licensed as an LPC in West Virginia with license number WV LPC 2873 and practices from that state.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for appointments?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are sessions paid for and what should I expect cost-wise?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in beginning therapy with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCancerCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

West Virginia

Languages

English