Jenny Smith, M.Ed, LAPC, NCC

02/10/2026

Checking the headlines for 5 minutes and suddenly feeling 'mostly dead' inside? Same. 🫠
When the state of the world feels like a constant climb up the Cliffs of Insanity, therapy is the place where we can actually sit down, catch our breath, and admit that staying 'positive' is a lot of work right now.

If you’re picking up where you left off with your therapist (a.k.a. the Pit of Despair), remember: It’s okay to not have a solution for everything. Sometimes, just naming the stress is the first step toward the exit.

The world is heavy, but you don't have to stay in the Pit. Check the comments for a few ways to protect your peace today.

02/04/2026

02/02/2026

If you’re wondering what telehealth looks like with me…

It looks a lot like real connection, meaningful conversations, and a therapist whose face occasionally gives things away.

Because the relationship with your therapist matters more than the office, the couch, or the Wi-Fi signal. Telehealth is still very real therapy; just with fewer awkward waiting rooms.

Therapists aren’t always a blank slate. We’re human, we’re present, and yes… sometimes our faces react right along with you (thoughtfully and intentionally, of course).

And just to be clear: none of these photos were taken during an actual session. Client privacy and confidentiality always come first 🤍

Real therapy. Real connection. Just from wherever you are.

01/24/2026

Anxiety loves to show us every possible forecast at once. ❄️
Radical acceptance isn’t saying “this is fine” — it’s saying,
“This might be uncomfortable… and I can handle it.”

Also: I can’t control the weather,
but I can wear a coat, wear the right shoes,
and stop yelling at the sky.

That’s radical acceptance:
feel the anxiety, stay prepared, and keep living anyway.

01/23/2026

In my work as a therapist, I often see how frustrating habit change can feel — especially when stress, anxiety, or burnout are involved.

I recently shared a blog post reviewing Atomic Habits from a mental health perspective, with practical ways to apply the ideas gently and realistically.
https://wix.to/znXNbIb

01/23/2026

Trauma is complex and often misunderstood, yet it affects millions of people worldwide. It can stem from accidents, abuse, loss, or other overwhelming experiences, as well as broader social factors like poverty, discrimination, or community violence. When trauma goes unrecognized, even well-intentio...

01/14/2026

New Year. New me.
Sounds cute, buuuuut not how change actually works.

Real growth looks more like:
• Unlearning things that once kept you safe
• Practicing boundaries that feel awkward at first
• Taking two steps forward, one step back (sometimes three)
• Showing up again even when motivation disappears

Change isn’t a midnight transformation.
It’s built in small choices, boring repetition, and compassion on the days you don’t feel “new” at all.

So maybe this year isn’t New Year, New Me.
Maybe it’s New Year, Still Me — but learning, healing, and trying again.

Progress takes time.
You’re not behind.
You’re in process.

12/22/2025

Going home for the holidays like:
🧳 packing pjs
🎁 bringing gifts
🧠 preparing emotionally for the same conversation you’ve had since 2012

Remember:
• You are allowed to take breaks
• You do not have to explain your life choices
• “I’m going to lie down for a little bit” is a complete sentence

Holiday gatherings can be full of love and low-key chaos. Both can exist. Be gentle with yourself and sneak outside if you need to.

You’re not regressing — you’re just home for the holidays. 😉

✨ Boundaries > perfection
✨ Rest > people-pleasing

12/02/2025

11/03/2025

10/28/2025

10/22/2025

When your therapist says, “Can I point out a pattern?” — you know s**t is about to get real. 😅

Therapy isn’t just about venting (though that part can be super helpful!) — it’s also about noticing the threads that tie our experiences together. Sometimes those “patterns” are where the biggest growth happens.

So next time your therapist asks that question… take a deep breath; it might just be the start of understanding yourself in a new way.