Erin Smith, MA, LPC (She/Her)

  • Relationships

  • Developmental trauma/Complex PTSD

  • Chronic Stress & Anxiety

Areas of Specialty

Erin Works With:

  • Individuals

  • Couples

  • Ages 18+

“My goal is to provide a safe space for folks to find their way back to themselves.”

  • I take a slow, mindful, and relational approach to the therapeutic process. We live in a world where things move quite quickly, in such a way where slowing down can feel scary. But it can also be a great act of resistance and healing. In the therapy room, you will have ample time to explore while I offer presence and guidance along the way.

    We will work to identify ways in which you have learned to adapt and move through your life. And with so much compassion and understanding, we will figure out where there are roadblocks that are keeping you from where you’re trying to go.

    As you develop a deeper relationship with yourself — understanding the parts of you that protect you from pain or shame, processing emotional wounds from the past, or grieving the experiences that younger you had to endure, you will undoubtedly grow in your capacity to connect with everything else in your life. With partners, children, parents, friends, work, passions, the environment, social justice, purpose, etc.

    Our goal will be to figure out who you are and what matters to you. To better understand the ways in which your system is so incredibly wise, and learn how to interpret the valuable information your brain and body give you. And ultimately, to continue moving forward in the direction of your most fulfilling life.

    I understand with great importance that we are only here for a short period of time. And I am grateful every day to be able to unravel the mystery of life bit by bit with clients who so bravely embark on this journey of self-discovery.

  • I work with individual adults and couples who are looking to do more depth-oriented therapy.

    I specialize in working with folks with relational trauma histories and Complex-PTSD. These relationships may be from early life within your family, school or work-related relationships, friendships, and/or romantic relationships. Because our experiences in relationship with others is so important to our survival, these patterns can inform our maps of the world and permeate daily interactions long after the hurt was experienced.

    I also tend to connect with clients who identify as highly sensitive, neurodivergent, and/or creative. Personally, I engage with many holistic and spiritual practices, and find this to be a connection point with clients as well.

  • I moved to Austin for my undergraduate studies and have called it home ever since. I grew up in a military family and moved around a lot. While I enjoyed the adventures and always getting to meet new people, I am happy to now be rooted in a beautiful and vibrant place.

    My partner and I along with our rescue dog, Maggie, enjoy exploring trails and swim spots. We equally enjoy snuggling on the couch watching survivor while I keep my hands busy with whatever it is I am crafting that week.

    I feel so lucky to do this work. It feels so deeply human in the way that we are constantly called to sit with the full spectrum of experiences and feelings that make life so challenging and also so beautiful. It is a space of exploration, co-creation, and meaning-making. And my brain loves the fact that I never get bored!

Education

The University of Texas at Austin: BSA in Biology, BA in Public Health

St. Edward’s University, MA in Counseling Psychology

Licenses & Training

License: Texas LPC #87866

EMDR Basic Training Level 1

Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1

Trauma Focused CBT

LGBTQ+ Counseling Competencies

Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

Coherence Therapy

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy

Fees

$150 per 55-minute session (billed as 53+ min)

$210 per 90-minute session

Insurance accepted: Aetna, Cigna

I offer “superbills” for out of network services

I offer limited sliding scale availability

Lastly,

Therapy is a practice of orienting towards the internal wisdom that you already hold. While I am here to offer specific guidance, tools, and interventions, I do believe that each client has the innate capacity to heal, to connect, and to thrive. With the clients I see, a lot of the work is about learning to tune in to that inner voice and rebuilding trust with your own instincts.

Contact Erin: