Maria Smartt , LMSW, LISW

Maria Smartt brings 11 years of professional experience as an independently licensed social worker practicing in Michigan and Ohio. She holds an LMSW and an LISW - the LMSW denotes a Licensed Master Social Worker and the LISW indicates a Licensed Independent Social Worker - qualifications that reflect advanced training and clinical practice in social work.

Her background includes supporting people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, motivation and self-esteem concerns. Maria focuses on building respectful, compassionate therapeutic relationships and adapts conversations and treatment plans to the distinct needs of each person she works with. She aims to create a collaborative space where goals and strategies are shaped around the client rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Maria understands that reaching out for help takes courage and views that first step as an important part of the healing process. She offers steady support and practical guidance to help clients move toward greater confidence, improved coping, and more fulfilling relationships over time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Maria Smartt uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where the client's perspective guides the work; this approach is useful for people seeking to explore values, build self-understanding, and strengthen relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it can help with anxiety, depression, and stress by offering practical strategies and skills to manage symptoms. Motivational Interviewing is an empathic, goal-oriented method that helps people resolve ambivalence and build internal motivation for change - it is often helpful when addressing issues like substance use, behavior change, or low motivation.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Maria works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods align best with their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to access care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity when life is unpredictable, and connect with licensed professionals without the need to travel, supporting consistent progress over time.