Kara Smith, MS

Clinical Degree: University of Maryland, Couple and Family Therapy

Prepare/Enrich Certified: No

Available: Tuesday (daytime and evening) & Thursday (daytime)

Fees: $160/50-min. session; $240/90-min session

Clinical Special Interests: Infidelity Recovery; New Parent Challenges; Couples w/Young Children; Teen Depression/Self-harm; Tween/Teen self-esteem

Contact: Email [email protected]; Phone 240-752-7650, ext 3

My Background

I have been a licensed Couples and Family Therapist since 2002helping with couples therapy for infidelity in Bethesda MD, and have had the opportunity to work in several clinical environments. Each of these experiences has guided who I am today as a infidelity therapist and put a lot of “tools” in my bag. In addition, the broad range of environments has offered me the opportunity to work with a clientele that are diverse in age range, ethnicity, faith, socio-economics, and sexual orientation. My rich background has prepared me for whatever issue and whoever presents in my office and, I hope, my clients feel comfortable and welcomed as they are.

Expertise

Because I have worked in many clinical environments, I bring to this practice a wealth of experience from each opportunity. As a family therapist specializing in addressing the needs of children and adolescents with a wide range of serious mental health concerns, I am comfortable guiding my clients through some of the most serious crises a family can face such as drug addiction, self-injury, school refusal, and separation/divorce. At times, when working with children or adolescents, I must do so without their parents present. However, I believe parental involvement and insight is of utmost importance for change to occur, so they will always be supported, involved, and kept informed about concerns and the progress we are making.

As a couple’s therapist, I have worked with couples whose goals range from getting a relationship “check up” to deciding whether to end their marriage or not. I challenge couples to look closely at their communication style, their patterns, and their expectations, and work hard to step out of their comfort zone in order to help their relationship thrive. I feel it is very important that I connect with both members of the couple – I want every party involved to feel heard, understood, and not blamed. In particular, as a couples therapist, infidelity with couples in Bethesda MD can be one of the hardest issues to work past. I am an expert in guiding couple’s through the discovery, coping, and, ultimately, the healing from an infidelity whether the couple decides to stay together or not.

I also have significant experience working with individuals struggling with relationships, depression, and difficult life transitions. Training as a couple’s and family therapist fully prepares clinicians to provide excellent individual therapy.

About Me

I consider myself an easy-going, light-hearted therapist who offers a welcoming and safe space for her clients to explore their concerns. At the same time, I do not mince words about how challenging the therapeutic process can be for a client – but I will support you through the hard work because with effort comes the reward of growth and clarity.

I was born and raised in Maryland and consider myself a local in this ever-changing area. I love the waterways, the mountains, and the calm that these open spaces provide us. I consider the therapy room another example of a space that can bring calm – the therapeutic process is a time to slow down and re-evaluate ourselves, our family, and our relationships in a safe, warm environment.

If you and your partner are in need of a couples therapist in Bethesda MD, please contact me today!

Check out Kara’s blog posts here: