Juanita "Nita" Smith

LSW

Available via Telehealth Only

“In every encounter, we either give life or we drain it. There is no neutral exchange”- Brennan Manning

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Feeling isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s changes and uncertainties is more common than you might realize. I am committed to offering compassionate support to individuals facing the pressures of family responsibilities, personal challenges, and life’s demands. I provide a compassionate space where your experiences are truly heard, your emotions validated, and—when the moment calls for it—a touch of gentle humor is used to bring perspective or lighten the moment. Through attentive listening and genuine empathy, I strive to meet you where you are and offer support, encouragement, and hope as we work together toward your goals, growth,and greater sense of well-being.

Experience:

Juanita (Nita) is licensed in Pennsylvania and Colorado and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Shippensburg University. She is currently advancing toward her clinical licensure. During her graduate studies, she served as program coordinator for a local nonprofit supporting young, single mothers involved with Lancaster County Children and Youth. Prior to that, Nita spent several years as a resource parent coordinator for a private foster care agency and as direct support staff in a dual-diagnosis residential program. As a former foster parent and adoptive mother, Nita brings over twenty-five years of personal and professional experience within the foster care and adoption communities. She is currently pursuing certification in maternal and perinatal mental health to further enhance the services she provides to her clients.

Client Focus: Adults 18+, Women, Pregnancy/Postpartum, New Parents, Foster Parents, Adoption Triad, LGBTQ , Sandwich Generation caregivers

Types of therapy: Person centered, strengths based, trauma informed, attachment focus, Christian faith based counseling upon request

Issues: Anxiety, depression, trauma, pregnancy uncertainties, postpartum challenges and new parent support, parenting issues, adoption issues and caregiver support

More than just my work:

I love authentic conversations and laughter with family and friends. I believe that relationships serve as the cornerstone of meaningful change. I unwind and relax by crocheting and watching sitcoms on repeat. And I enjoy reading in a comfortable chair and expressing myself through creative writing.