Somatic-Therapists

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Delores Smith, LCSW

Compassionate, practical therapy with a somatic eye

DS Portrait of Delores Smith

About Delores

Delores Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 47 years of practice in Virginia. She focuses on everyday problems like stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship strain. Her work also covers self-esteem, addictions, and intimacy-related challenges.

Delores uses clear, practical conversation to help people think about next steps. She combines somatic awareness with talk-based methods to help people notice how their bodies respond to stress. That bodily notice often leads to small changes in how someone copes.

Book with Delores Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Background and approach

Delores also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered approaches to help people name values and make choices that match them. Sessions emphasize problem solving and building new habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools are used to address unhelpful thoughts and strong emotions.

Delores helps with work-life balance, career decisions, and coping with life changes such as divorce or loss. She brings specific attention to issues like abandonment, communication problems, control issues, guilt and shame, and forgiveness. LGBT concerns, women’s issues, and compassion fatigue are also within her focus.

People looking to address ADHD, anger, or personality disorder-related struggles can explore practical strategies in sessions. Delores keeps the pace set by each person. She encourages honest talk without judgment and supports people in choosing actions that fit their goals.

Her approach is direct and steady, aimed at helping people move forward one step at a time.

How her approaches translate to online care

Somatic work helps people notice body sensations tied to emotions and stress. Online sessions can guide gentle body awareness, breathing, and grounding exercises to make those sensations easier to talk about and manage. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying what matters and taking small steps toward those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts. It is helpful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's own experience and priorities, giving space to be heard and to set the pace for change.

Choosing the right combination of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to find what fits best based on their goals, preferences, and how they respond in early sessions. That joint decision making shapes ongoing work rather than being decided up front.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options offer flexibility for people with busy schedules or mobility limits. They also make it possible to do brief check-ins, practice skills between sessions, and maintain continuity during life changes.
Book with Delores Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Delores address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, self-esteem, and career concerns among other topics.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The style blends somatic awareness with talk therapy, emphasizing practical problem solving and helping people act on their values.
What is her professional background?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 47 years of experience focusing on a wide range of emotional and life issues.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds a Virginia LCSW license with the number VA LCSW 0904001262 and practices in Virginia.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is payment handled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.