Bethany Smith
(she, they)
Hello and welcome, I’m so glad you are here. Anxiety, self-doubt and your inner critic do not need to rule your mind and body. Traumatic experiences do not define you or your future. You are worthy of support and deserve to feel more at peace with yourself.
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with ten years of experience supporting clients to strengthen inner resources, set healthy boundaries and find more ease and joy.
My specializations include trauma therapy, perinatal mental health and care for helping professionals.
The main therapeutic modalities I draw upon are narrative therapy, mindfulness, parts work and EMDR.
I’m driven by curiosity and kindness, endlessly fascinated by our innate capacity for healing and the deep compassion I witness in my clients everyday. As I continue to grow as a human and as a therapist, I participate in my own therapy, professional development, as well as clinical consultation. In addition to my practice, I provide clinical supervision at Sexual Assault Centre Kingston.
I live in Katarokwi/Kingston with my partner and our young children. My greatest joys are time in nature with family and friends, reading, podcasts, kitchen dance parties and attempting to learn new musical instruments.
My Approach
Inclusive and Affirming
I strive to create a supportive, affirming environment for people of all identities and experiences.
Compassionate
A warm, trusting relationship is the core element of my practice. I believe in the restorative value of nurturing and nourishing connection.
Collaborative
We will work together to determine the steps you want to take to move forward. I see my role as helping you strengthen your self-worth and self-trust.
Strengths-Based
I honour your resourcefulness and have an unwavering belief that all parts of you have good intentions. My goal is for you to feel a greater sense of wholeness.
Training and Education
Education and Registration
Master’s in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Registered Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Certifications and designations
Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDR International Association
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, Postpartum Support International
Certificate in Clinical Supervision, Adler Graduate Professional School
Recent Specialized Training
EMDR Therapy with Trans and Gender Expansive Clients, New Leaf Trauma, 2024
Advanced Practice of EMDR for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, Touchstone Institute, 2023
IFS + EMDR Parts Protocol, Kendhal Hart, 2023
Queering Mental Health, Our Landing Place, 2023
4 Blinks Trauma Reprocessing, Thomas Zimmerman, 2022
Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, San’ yas, 2022
Land Acknowledgement and Commitment
I am a settler and live and work on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat. My practice is grounded in an anti-oppressive framework that recognizes systemic violence and trauma, as well as resistance and resilience. I am committed to confronting colonial, patriarchal, and white supremacist biases and behaviours internally and within my community. As I continue to learn and unlearn, I welcome feedback and critique.