- CBT techniques
- Client-centered work
- Solution-focused steps
About Cortney
Cortney (Bota) Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with 11 years of clinical experience. She works with adults who are coping with stress, anxiety, anger, mood concerns, relationship strain, trauma, and other life challenges. Sessions focus on practical steps clients can use between meetings to notice patterns and try new behaviors.
Most of Cortney's background is in community clinics providing face-to-face care. She also has substantial teletherapy experience over recent years. Her training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, plus about 1,000 supervised clinical hours completed during internship placements.
Her approach centers on the person in front of her. She listens to what each client says they want and uses solution-focused techniques and cognitive behavioral methods to break big problems into manageable steps. Conversations typically identify a few concrete goals, then map small changes that move toward those goals.
Cortney helps people who are dealing with addictions, bipolar symptoms, depression, grief, parenting strain, sleep disruption, low self-esteem, career stress, and intimacy-related concerns. She also works with trauma and abuse survivors and people coping with life transitions.
She notes current office availability during weekday daytime hours and may sometimes offer evening sessions. Prospective clients should confirm session times when they schedule. Cortney aims to support clients as they reach their own decisions and make practical changes in daily life.
How Cortney uses CBT and solution-focused work online
Client-centered work starts by listening to what the client wants to change and clarifying concrete goals. That approach keeps sessions focused on the person's priorities and day-to-day concerns.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Cortney uses CBT to help people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try small behavioral experiments that can reduce anger, anxiety, or depressive symptoms.
Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on specific, achievable steps rather than lengthy analysis. It is useful when someone wants fast, practical strategies for managing anger, improving sleep, or handling relationship friction. Motivational Interviewing can also be used to strengthen motivation when someone is making changes around addictions or behavior change.
Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the work together. Cortney will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences and will adjust the plan as progress is made.
The biography does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm current online options before booking. Online visits can help fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time so sessions are easier to schedule around work or family tasks.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Cortney address?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, mood concerns such as bipolar and depression, addictions, trauma, relationship and family-related issues, grief, intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, self-esteem, career stress, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapy style?
Her style is person-centered and practical. She helps people set small goals and uses solution-focused and cognitive behavioral approaches to test changes between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 11 years of experience working as a mental health therapist, including community clinic work and substantial teletherapy practice.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a New York LMHC credential and practices in New York.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs and payments handled?
Costs vary with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Confirm pricing details during the sign-up process.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.