
Derek Smith
ACSWACSW(He/Him/His)
ACSW #122876
Associate Clinical Social Worker, supervised by Yessenia Aguirre, LCSW # 116709
About
My name is Derek Smith and I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist. I have more than eight years of experience supporting people across a wide range of life experiences.
Much of my work has centered on supporting people through difficult transitions and periods of change. I have worked in community organizations, outpatient therapy, youth programs, and international settings. All of these experiences have shaped how I understand mental health and healing. Inclusivity, acknowledging systems of harm, and intersectionality matter to me. While each person and situation is unique, I have consistently found that people often need a space where they can feel safe enough to be honest, understood, and supported as they navigate what comes next.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating questions about identity, relationships, self-worth, anxiety, burnout, life direction, and the many changes that can shape our lives. I have a particular interest in working with young adults and people navigating the transition into adulthood, though I work with adults at all stages of life.
My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed. I believe therapy is not
about telling you who to be or giving you a formula for how to live your life. Instead, I see it as a space to slow down, better understand yourself, and explore what matters to you. Together, we can explore what you’re experiencing in a way that feels right for you. You don’t have to arrive with a clear plan, we will start wherever you are. My work helps clients reconnect with themselves, their bodies, and the communities that give their lives meaning. I am passionate about creating a space where people can better understand their inner experiences, make sense of what they are going through, and move toward a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
Specializes In
Client Concerns
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Behavioral Issues
- Body Image
- Codependency
- Depression
- Grief
- Kink Allied
- LGBTQ+ Affirming
- Men's Issues
- Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy
- Racial Identity
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Sex-Positive
- Spirituality
- Sports Performance
- Stress
- Substance Use
- Trauma and PTSD
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT
- Attachment-based
- Culturally Sensitive
- Emotionally Focused
- Existential
- Humanistic
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- mindfulness
- Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
- Multicultural
- Person-Centered
- Psychodynamic
- Relational
- Somatic
- Strength-Based
- Trauma Focused
Works With
Types of Services
- Family Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Teen Therapy
Ages Worked With
- Adults
- Elderly
- Teens
Languages
- English