Alexándria (Alex) Smith
“I will help you understand and respect each other’s needs and preferences and find solutions that work for both of you. While I consider myself a relationship expert by education, I am not naive enough to believe I am the expert on your relationship. We will work collaboratively as I share my knowledge with you, and you share your world with me. I’ll help each of you communicate your feelings and opinions without unnecessarily arousing each other’s defenses, heal from past relationship injuries, develop better relationship habits, deepen your connection, and learn more about yourselves (and each other) in the process. I will show you how to combine toughness and tenderness in a way that enables you to require that you be treated with respect while making it very easy for your partner to do so. You will learn how to stand up for yourself without putting your partner down. Do not worry if your partner cannot or will not come to therapy with you. While it is true that it takes two to make a relationship work, it takes just one to start the process. You can motivate your partner to change – even if your partner is not trying! If you are ready to put the work in, I am ready to guide you down the path toward relationship satisfaction.”
–Alex Smith
The best things in life are often waiting for you at the exit ramp of your comfort zone.
— Karen Salmansohn
When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change.
— Aang
I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.
— Art Williams
Dr. Atkinson’s Endorsement:
If you’re looking for someone to lead you out of the storm, Alex is the therapist for you. Her bold-yet-compassionate style and down-to-earth demeanor enable clients to focus their energy right where it’s needed. She’s one of the best when it comes to pinpointing dysfunctional patterns in a relationship and knowing precisely what needs to happen to get things back on track. But Alex doesn’t stop with eliminating the bad things that happen in relationships. She knows that it’s not just about fixing the problems, it’s also about rejuvenating the connection.
Alex’s laid back sense of humor will put you at ease, her straight-forward style will make you trust her, her energy and enthusiasm will motivate you, and her skillfulness will help you create the kind of truly enjoyable relationship you’ve always wanted.
Credentials:
Alex earned a BA in Psychology from Miami University of Ohio, and an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Counseling from the University of Akron, Ohio. Before coming to the Couples Clinic, her experience included family therapy and working with grieving children as well as individuals with disabilities.
To schedule an appointment with Alex, please call 630-232-7457.