Luke Smithers, LMSW

Specialties: Identity exploration, LGBTQ+, men’s issues, relationships, spiritual concerns, complex trauma

Rates: $205 · individual session | $255 · couples session

 
 

“I work from the premise that it is in extending compassion and grace to all of the parts of ourselves—even those parts of us that feel most challenging to love—that true healing happens. Trauma, attachment wounds, and the many challenges that life throws our way may have forced you to cope in the only way you knew how. Some of the parts of yourself that developed as a way of navigating those challenges, while initially intended to protect you from further pain, may have become obstacles to feeling a sense of peace and openness to life. 

Through cultivating curiosity and compassion towards all parts of ourselves, we can begin to release behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that no longer serve us. This process allows us to engage with the world with greater presence and heartfulness. Working from a relational and attachment-rooted approach, my goal is to help you discover your innate capacity for peace and freedom. Together, we will explore and identify the parts of your internal system, understanding their fears and concerns. Through compassionate exploration, we will work towards helping these parts release burdens from the past and transition into new, more life-affirming roles.”

 
 
 
 
 

Q & A

What inspired you to become a therapist?

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a hospital chaplain, where I had the privilege of accompanying people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. While it was meaningful to support individuals and families in their grief and confusion, I often found myself wishing for the opportunity to continue those conversations beyond the hospital walls. Therapy allows me to engage with clients in a more in-depth and consistent way, building a trusting relationship over time. In the therapeutic space, I strive to create an atmosphere of calm and safety that encourages the exploration of deeper thoughts and feelings.

How do you describe your counseling style?

My aim is to create a sense of trust and safety that allows you to access parts of yourself that you might ordinarily push down or shut out. I believe healing occurs when we explore our inner lives. While sharing these thoughts and emotions can be healing on its own, my goal is to go deeper, helping you transform how you relate to these different aspects of yourself. It’s a privilege to witness clients uncover compassion for themselves, which gradually brings their systems back into balance.

What books have made the biggest impact on your life?

No Bad Parts, Richard Schwartz

When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron

The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk

A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara

Just Kids, Patti Smith

 
 
 
 
 
 

Listen to Luke’s playlist

 
 

 

 
 
 

Get in touch to schedule a session with Luke.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Read more in our blog

 
 
 
 
 
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