Paul Smith, ph.d., Lpc, Ncc, acs
My name is Paul Smith and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, #10761) in the state of Georgia. I graduated from Wake Forest University (BA and MA) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2016) with a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education. I am also credentialed by the National Board of Certified Counselors as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). I serve as a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Mercer University and coordinate the Clinical Mental Health track in the department. Before coming to Mercer in 2019, I taught at another university in Texas for a few years. I have worked with clients (age 14 and older) in a variety of settings, including college counseling centers, non-profit agencies, hospice, and an outpatient substance abuse center.
Many of my clients face significant life transitions, such as relational distress, career or school dissatisfaction, a loss of meaning and purpose in life, or the death of a loved one. Addressing mood changes and distressful patterns is also a common focus in my work with clients. Counseling theories used in my work include: client-centered approaches, existential, narrative, cognitive and behavioral, and motivational interviewing.
It is important for me to work you from a humanistic mindset - believing that you have the resources and strength to navigate your life challenges. I aim to work within the social and cultural context of your life, knowing that each individual is unique and requires a plan and process catered to specific needs. It is my understanding that human distress is not only located within the self, but also within the context of one's life. Addressing change is shifting internal patterns and building awareness about external influences on one's current hardship. Out of this insight-based counseling that reflects on the past and present, it is my hope that you are able to confidently face your future.
Many of my clients face significant life transitions, such as relational distress, career or school dissatisfaction, a loss of meaning and purpose in life, or the death of a loved one. Addressing mood changes and distressful patterns is also a common focus in my work with clients. Counseling theories used in my work include: client-centered approaches, existential, narrative, cognitive and behavioral, and motivational interviewing.
It is important for me to work you from a humanistic mindset - believing that you have the resources and strength to navigate your life challenges. I aim to work within the social and cultural context of your life, knowing that each individual is unique and requires a plan and process catered to specific needs. It is my understanding that human distress is not only located within the self, but also within the context of one's life. Addressing change is shifting internal patterns and building awareness about external influences on one's current hardship. Out of this insight-based counseling that reflects on the past and present, it is my hope that you are able to confidently face your future.
