- Stress management
- Anger concerns
- Parenting issues
About Maria
Maria Smartt is an independently licensed social worker in Michigan and Ohio with 11 years of clinical experience. She holds the Licensed Master Social Worker credential (LMSW) and the Licensed Independent Social Worker credential (LISW). Maria works with adults who want help managing stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship or parenting concerns.
She helps people address trauma, abuse, and issues around adoption and foster care. She also supports those facing addiction challenges and veterans or armed forces related concerns. Maria includes LGBT issues among the topics she addresses in sessions.
Maria uses practical, conversational methods to help clients notice patterns and try different ways of responding. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to follow what matters most to each person. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going, and Motivational Interviewing to build readiness for change.
Sessions are focused on clear goals and step-by-step changes rather than long lectures. Maria likes short, actionable strategies people can use between appointments. She works with people on confidence and self-esteem so they can handle stress and frustration with fewer outbursts.
People who reach out can expect a direct, respectful approach. Maria invites questions and will discuss practical next steps for scheduling and planning sessions that fit into everyday life.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Maria uses Client-Centered Therapy to keep the conversation focused on what matters most to each person. That approach emphasizes listening and working from the client’s priorities to set goals and decide next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the thoughts and behaviors that keep a problem going and offers practical exercises to change them, which can be useful for anger, anxiety, and stress. Motivational Interviewing helps people build motivation and make gradual changes when they feel stuck.Choosing the right mix of methods is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with the client to test approaches and adjust them over time. Sessions are aimed at clear goals and small experiments that can be tried between appointments so people can see what helps.
The therapist’s biography does not list specific session delivery formats. Please confirm current session options before booking so you know whether video, phone, or other formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people use methods like CBT worksheets or motivational exercises without extra travel.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Ohio, Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship and parenting concerns, plus trauma, addiction, adoption and veteran related issues.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses a practical, conversational approach that focuses on goals and steps for change using Client-Centered techniques and CBT tools.
How much experience does she have?
Maria has 11 years of professional work experience in clinical settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LMSW and LISW credentials and practices in Michigan with licensure also in Ohio.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.