Hello! My name is Cheryl Smith and I am a licensed clinical social worker and have been in the field for over 35 years. I began my career working with children, adolescents and their families in psychiatric residential treatment settings. Ultimately, I became an Administrator of a nonprofit agency overseeing inpatient and outpatient programs including a special education school. After spending some time as a Division Director in Psychiatry at a state-run psychiatric hospital, I made a conscious decision to go back to basics. I returned to clinical working specifically with people challenged with substance abuse.

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Attachment, Regulation and Competency Treatment. I am a proponent of working together with clients to develop a targeted treatment plan with interventions that are realistic, strengths based and provide evidence that treatment is working. Therapy that is solution focused typically means less time in treatment.

I specialize in working with people who are experiencing life transitions at any age. In addition, I have significant experience working with people challenged by substance misuse. As an adoptee myself and having spent many years in the field, I am skilled in working in adoption and with foster children and families. I have significant expertise in helping people connect their thoughts, emotions and behaviors in ways that help them to take control of their lives and build healthy relationships.

I received a Master’s Degree in Divinity and was ordained a priest in the American National Catholic Church in January of 2020. The combination of social work and ministry allows me the unique ability to offer Christian-based counseling. I also volunteer and I am currently the Vice President on the Board of Directors at the Community Guidance Clinic of Central Connecticut. I enjoy hanging out with my grandchildren, studying scripture, travel and painting.