Smithson Counseling, Andy Smithson, LCSW

02/25/2026

🌿 It’s OK to Not Be OK — and You Don’t Have to Walk It Alone 💙

Our community is stronger when we come together, and this year’s Stronger Together Mental Health Seminar is designed to do exactly that — create a space where healing, learning, and connection can take root.

Join us for a powerful day led by Andy Smithson, LCSW, where we’ll explore practical tools for
✨ Relationship dynamics
✨ Conflict resolution
✨ Self‑emotional regulation
— all grounded in evidence‑based mental health practices.

This year also features live performances of Andy’s original mental‑health–inspired music, brought to life by incredible local vocalists who understand the heart of this work. These songs are written to uplift, validate, and remind us that hope is real and healing is possible.

🗓 March 14, 2026
⏰ 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Historic Wilson Theatre
💵 Only $5 — lunch included if purchased by March 7
Walk‑ins are always welcome, but lunch cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.

Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to strengthen your emotional toolkit, this seminar is for you.
Because healing happens in community.
Because your story matters.
Because if you live here, you belong here. 💙

02/25/2026

🎤 Spotlight on Ashley Ludlow — Bringing Voice to Healing 💙

As part of our Stronger Together Mental Health Seminar, presented by Smithson Counseling, we are honored to feature live performances of Andy Smithson’s original mental-health–inspired music — written to uplift, validate, and support our community on its journey toward healing and connection.

✨ One of the talented vocalists bringing these songs to life is Ashley Ludlow — a powerhouse of voice, heart, and purpose.

Ashley is a vocalist, keynote speaker, and business strategist who believes deeply in the power of joy — both in work and in play. Locally, she’s known for her standout performances in Mamma Mia (Rosie), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), and Tarzan (Kala), and for her musical direction in Newsies at the King Fine Arts Center.

Whether she’s on stage or behind the scenes, Ashley brings warmth, wisdom, and a spark of magic to everything she does. She’s passionate about helping others rediscover joy — and her voice carries that message with grace and strength.

When she’s not performing, you’ll find her spending time with her family or exploring the wonder of Disney Parks — a reminder that joy is something we can choose, cultivate, and share.

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and soul-nourishing music that reminds us we truly are stronger together.

🗓 March 14
⏰ 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Historic Wilson Theatre
💵 $5 admission — lunch included if purchased by March 7
🎶 Featuring Andy Smithson’s original mental-health–inspired music

Because healing happens in community.
Because your story matters.
Because if you live here, you belong here. 💙

02/25/2026

STOP Deep Breathing During Panic Attacks

https://youtube.com/shorts/XZpuE5y_398

STOP forcing deep breaths when you’re panicking. 🛑🌬️
Most people are told to "just breathe," but forcing it can actually make things worse. Over-breathing lowers your CO2 levels, which increases dizziness and ramps up the very symptoms you’re trying to escape.
In this video, I explain why you should let your respiration be "imperfect" to settle your nervous system faster.
THE RECOVERY SHIFT:
1. Stop fighting your breath ✋
2. Notice where it moves (Chest? Throat? Belly?) 🔍
3. Let it be exactly as it is 🌊
Anxiety settles when you stop the war with your own biology.
Save this for your next spike! 💾

STOP forcing deep breaths when you’re panicking. 🛑🌬️Most people are told to "just breathe," but forcing it can actually make things worse. Over-breathing l...

02/23/2026

To guarantee your lunch, please purchase your ticket by March 7.
Walk-ins are always welcome on the day of the event, but we can’t promise lunch unless tickets are purchased in advance.

Your early registration helps us plan, prepare, and serve our community with care.

🗓 March 14
⏰ 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Historic Wilson Theatre
💵 Only $5 — lunch included if purchased by March 7

Let’s come together for a day of healing, connection, and practical tools for emotional wellness.
Because if you live here, you belong here. 💙

02/23/2026

Chest or Throat Anxiety? (4 Steps to Release It)

https://youtu.be/mhCwEaPBWCY

Chest or Throat Anxiety? (4 Steps to Release It)
If you feel a tight band around your chest or a lump in your throat during panic, you know that "just relaxing" doesn't work. In this video, I explain why anxiety gets physically trapped in your body and provide a 4-step clinical protocol to finally release it.
As a therapist, I see many people try to "outthink" their anxiety. But panic isn't just a thinking problem—it’s a mobilization problem. Your nervous system is trying to protect you, but that energy has nowhere to go. I’ll show you how to use a somatic technique called pendulation to guide your body back to a state of safety and flexibility.
In this video, we cover:
• The Biology of "Stuck" Anxiety: Why your chest and throat brace during a panic spike.
• The Pendulation Protocol: A step-by-step guide to move between activation and regulation.
• Anchoring & Titration: Clinical tools to stay grounded so you don't get overwhelmed.
• The Discharge Phase: How to recognize the physical signs that your anxiety is actually resolving.

02/23/2026

🎶 Music has the power to reach places words alone cannot — and at this year’s Stronger Together Mental Health Seminar, we’re bringing that healing power to the stage. 💙

We are honored to feature live performances of Andy Smithson’s original mental‑health–inspired music, created to uplift, validate, and support our community on its journey toward healing and connection. These songs were written with intention — to remind us that we are not alone, that hope is real, and that healing is possible.

✨ One of our featured vocalists is the incredible Deneka Beck.
A Texas native who has joyfully called Idaho home for the past decade, Deneka brings warmth, heart, and depth to every stage she steps onto. She is a mother of five, a lover of the outdoors, a traveler, a children’s choir director, and a passionate performer in our local arts community.

You may have seen her recently in Lamb of God, Mamma Mia!, or Matilda — and now she brings her voice and her heart to Stronger Together.

With a background in Early Childhood Education, and ongoing studies in human development, music, and counseling, Deneka believes deeply in the healing power of music. She shares that music can help us reconnect with joy, process our emotions, and find strength in our stories — a message that aligns beautifully with the mission of this event.

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and soul‑nourishing music that reminds us we truly are stronger together.

🗓 March 14
⏰ 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Historic Wilson Theatre
💵 $5 admission — lunch included
🎤 Live performances of Andy Smithson’s original mental‑health–inspired music

Because healing happens in community.
Because your story matters.
Because if you live here, you belong here. 💙

02/20/2026

This is one of my favorite interviews I've watched in a long time. They talk about fear, risk management, life goal fulfillment, practice, and so many things that can be applicable to people lives. The letter from Alex's wife is one of my favorite parts as well. I hope you enjoy it!

The man who risked death climbing 3,000ft up El Capitan, Alex Honnold, reveals how to master extreme pressure, why his brain scan showed zero fear, the scien...

02/19/2026

Unstick Anxiety! Live Better 1st, Then Feel Better

https://youtube.com/shorts/BetgydrRV2Y

Stop waiting for anxiety to disappear to start living! Long-term well-being comes from taking small, values-based action first. The feeling of relief often follows the feeling of meaning. This is the secret to getting "unstuck"—you often live better first, then you feel better.
Anxiety and depression can feel stuck because your life is waiting for permission to move forward to what matters.
Quick Tool: Pick one value direction (compassion, honesty, forgiveness) and choose one action so small, you can't negotiate with it. A text, an apology, a walk, a boundary—meaning often comes before relief.
What's the one small, values-based action you're taking today? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Stop waiting for anxiety to disappear to start living! Long-term well-being comes from taking small, values-based action first. The feeling of relief often f...

02/19/2026

Stronger Together
March 14th 9AM-3PM
Join friends, neighbors, and community members for a powerful day of connection, music, real-life mental health tools and FREE lunch from 9am-3PM.

You'll walk away with evidence-based tools to calm your anxiety, manage stress and emotions, process and resolve internal and external conflict, create happy, connected relationships and support loved ones on their mental health journey.
Presenter, Andy Smithson, LCSW is the owner and licensed therapist at Smithson Counseling & Mindwire Neurofeedback. Andy has written articles for state and national publications like The Washington Post, PBS Parents, Deseret News and The Good Men Project. He is a presenter on topics surrounding mental health, relationships and parenting. His Youtube channel, "Principled Therapy" aims to increase simple and inexpensive access to mental health information for all. www.Historicwilsontheatre.com

02/19/2026

STOP Saying "I'm a Failure" (ACT Therapy Solution)

https://youtube.com/shorts/LnxMWKkp5_A

Your mistake isn't the problem—it's what you say after that sends you into a toxic spiral. Learn to stop the "I'm a failure" self-talk right now.
This video introduces the core principle of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): a misalignment is just information, not a life sentence. Discover the simple, 3-step Values Gap Repair technique. It’s a rapid-fire psychology hack to quickly name the honesty gap, normalize the setback, and move forward with one consistent, value-driven action. Small repairs restore integrity faster than perfection ever could.
Don't let self-criticism win. Learn how to reframe your thoughts and unlock consistent, values-driven change.

Your mistake isn't the problem—it's what you say after that sends you into a toxic spiral. Learn to stop the "I'm a failure" self-talk right now.This video i...

02/19/2026

🌟 We rise stronger when we rise together — and today we’re celebrating Crown Up Productions for helping our community do just that. 🌟

A huge thank-you to Crown Up Productions for sponsoring the Stronger Together Mental Health Seminar, presented by Smithson Counseling. Their support helps us bring evidence-based tools, meaningful conversations, and accessible mental health resources to Mini-Cassia — and their impact goes far beyond this event.

Crown Up Productions is known for their wildly fun murder mystery parties and immersive themed events that spark joy, connection, and creativity. But behind the scenes, they’re also doing powerful charity work — especially with girls and women, helping them rediscover their worth, embrace their potential, and step into their own stories with confidence.

Through mentorship, creative expression, and community-centered experiences, Crown Up Productions reminds us that healing isn’t just about quiet reflection — it’s also about play, belonging, and being seen.

We’re honored to have them as a sponsor and as a force for good in our community.

🗓 March 14
⏰ 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Historic Wilson Theatre
💵 $5 admission — lunch included

Join us for a day of learning, healing, and connection led by Andy Smithson, LCSW — because when we show up for each other, we truly are stronger together. 💙

02/18/2026

Love or local Historic Wilson Theatre!

www.historicwilsontheatre.com reserve your seats now!