GREETINGS from Cove Mountain Counseling. My name is LAURIE SMITH. Welcome to our web site, where you can learn all about the group as well as each of us as individuals. COUNSELING PHILOSOPHY-I believe that "happiness is an inside job", and we all have the potential to attain that happiness. When I work with clients, I remind them that the "wisdom lies within". For many reasons, we can have a hard time accessing that wisdom. When it comes to relationships, this can be especially difficult. I enjoy working with couples who want to improve their relationship and find that "wisdom within" to do so. The therapy becomes a healing partnership between the therapist and the couple. When we become stuck in our relationships, it can feel overwhelming. However, there are many ways of rebuilding and renewing that commitment. One of the tools I use with couples is Imago Relationship Therapy, as described in the book by Harville Hendrix, called Getting The Love You Want. Imago Relationship Therapy aims to help couples learn to re-connect with other in an atmosphere of safety. I teach couples how to talk to each other differently to promote healing and growth. This approach can also help singles learn about creating healthy relationships OTHER SPECIALTY AREAS-In addition to couples work, I enjoy offering individual counseling for people with stress-related issues, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety/panic disorder. Another tool that I use with these issues is music-evoked psychotherapy, which is a new and very exciting method of therapy. Music therapy involves listening to music in a relaxed state of mind to help access that inner wisdom for guidance with life's problems, getting new ideas and insights, and connecting mind and body. Lastly, I believe that humor can be good medicine! BACKGROUND-I am a licensed marital and family therapist with over 30 years experience. I have advanced certification in Imago Relationship Therapy. I graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1973 and have lived in several different states since then. I received my Master's degree in Psychology from Lone Mt. College in San Francisco, California in 1975. I am very happy to be back in the mountains of East Tennessee! CHALLENGE-If you are wondering whether or not to pursue some counseling, I encourage you to call for an initial appointment at 865-681-2869. I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. The initial call is often the most difficult part in getting the process started. Good luck on your journey!
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