Payton Smith, BSW

Schererville, Telehealth

Education

School:

Valparaiso University

Degree:

Bachelor of Social Work

Payton Smith is a therapist intern at Pillars of Wellness, currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Cleveland State University. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Valparaiso University.

With experience in school-based prevention and mentoring services, nonprofit board leadership, and supporting neurodivergent individuals, she works with a range of clients from children to adults facing a variety of challenges. She offers care to clients navigating stress, burnout, chronic illness, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. She is passionate about helping clients build self-compassion and a deeper connection to themselves.

At the base level, her approach is client-centered, supporting clients as they work through the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives to improve their quality of life. She provides a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and trauma-informed space for clients to share their past and present thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Payton believes every client is the expert in their own life and works collaboratively to foster empowerment and meaningful change.

Issues Treated

Anxiety Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behavioral Issues
Chronic Conditions
Coping Skills
Developmental Disorders
Eating Disorders
Gender-Specific Issues
Grief
Identity-Related Concerns
Impulse Control Disorders
Life Transitions
Psychological Assessment
Self-Esteem
Self-Harming
Stress Management
Suicidality
Trauma

Session Types

Individual

Age Specialties

Toddlers/Preschoolers (0 to 5)
Children (6 to 10)
Preteens/Tweens (11 to 13)
Teenagers (14 to 19)
Emerging Adults (18-25)

Types of Therapy

Art Therapy, Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Narrative Therapy
Play Therapy
Positive Psychology