William Smith, LMHC

New York | Online sessions in New York | English | Book with William »

Narrative-minded counselor who listens and supports

Details

Name	William Smith
Credentials	LMHC
Based in	New York
Licensed in	New York
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	16

About William

William Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with 16 years of experience. He focuses on helping people who are dealing with addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and self-esteem concerns. He believes clients are the experts in their own stories and brings a respectful, listening-based approach to each session.

He uses Narrative Therapy alongside client-centered and psychodynamic ideas to understand how life stories shape feelings and choices.

Background and approach

Sessions often start by talking through what matters most to the client and identifying patterns that cause distress. William listens for moments of strength and looks for ways to build on them. When addiction or substance concerns are present, he works with people to name the problem and explore practical steps that feel doable.

For trauma and post-traumatic stress, he offers a trauma-focused outlook that helps people process difficult memories at a pace that suits them. He also supports people facing HIV, hospice or end-of-life questions, chronic illness, and caregiving strain. William emphasizes clear, down-to-earth conversation rather than technical language.

He helps people break big problems into manageable steps and set short-term goals. People who want a collaborative, narrative-minded clinician who listens closely may find his style a good fit. Sessions are offered in English and can be arranged online for international clients.

He works with each person to shape an approach that fits their life and goals.

What this therapist works with

His listing names Addictions, LGBT, Trauma and abuse among the things William works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by William among the ways he works.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by William among the ways he works.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by William among the ways he works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask William directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking William directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

How narrative and client-centered work online

William uses Narrative Therapy to help people see how their life stories shape current struggles and identify alternative, more helpful storylines. That approach is useful for concerns like identity, grief, and long-term patterns that cause distress.

He also draws on client-centered methods that emphasize listening, validation, and pacing sessions around what the client needs. For trauma-related concerns he brings trauma-focused perspectives to help people process difficult memories carefully and at a comfortable speed.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. William treats the choice of method as a collaboration and checks in often to make sure the process matches a client's goals, preferences, and pace. He tailors techniques to each person's situation rather than applying a single method to every problem.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and communication styles. Video calls allow for face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits shorter check-ins, and text messaging supports ongoing, flexible contact between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping the focus on practical progress.

Common questions about this listing

What concerns does he commonly address?

He works with people facing addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and self-esteem difficulties, along with related issues such as chronic illness, caregiver stress, and post-traumatic stress.

What is his therapeutic style like?

His style is collaborative and listening-focused, using Narrative and client-centered ideas to help people retell their stories and find practical next steps.

How long has he practiced?

He has 16 years of professional experience working with people on a range of concerns including substance use and trauma.

Where is he licensed and based?

He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in New York and practices from that state.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English, and he also accepts international clients for online work.

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different communication needs.

How does pricing work?

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

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with William are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including William where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.

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