Counselor Spotlight: Introducing Cassady Smoak

What inspired you to become a counselor, and what do you find most rewarding about your work?

I began working with teens during college and continued after graduating. Through those experiences, I realized how naturally I connected with adolescents, but I also felt a strong desire to have more tools to truly support them through the challenges they were facing (performance anxiety, self esteem, relationships, family challenges, etc). That’s what led me to pursue graduate school in counseling and to become more equipped to help adolescents navigate life, anxious emotions, and relationships in deeper and more meaningful ways. What I find most rewarding is building trust with clients and watching them grow in confidence, self-understanding, and resilience over time. While seeing teenage clients, I also discovered how much I truly enjoy working with adults who are navigating life transitions and experiencing generalized anxiety. Supporting adults through seasons of change, whether related to relationships, career, identity, or personal growth, has become a meaningful and fulfilling part of my practice. I’m especially passionate about helping clients build confidence by gently facing their fears and learning tools that fit their unique needs. I value the partnership I create with each client, linking arms to show up as a united front, identify emotions, develop practical skills, and create a hopeful path forward.

Can you describe your counseling approach and what clients can expect during a session with you?

My approach is very relational and personable. I focus on building a strong, trusting relationship with clients, and with parents when working with children, so everyone feels safe, understood, and supported. Therapy is a place to show up as you are, even if anxiety, panic, and performance challenges make things feel overwhelming or unmanageable. You don’t need to have the “right” words or have it all together; we work together to gently face fears, practice coping strategies, and take small, manageable steps toward relief and confidence. I help clients and families build practical tools while creating a space where it’s okay to feel what you feel and make progress at your own pace. I value a little humor in sessions with my clients and meet them where they are at with empathy.

What are some common misconceptions about therapy that you wish more people understood?

One misconception is that therapy will make you feel like your thoughts or fears are “weird” or something you shouldn’t have (shame). In reality, anxiety often thrives on avoidance, if we hide from our fears or avoid talking about them, they can feel bigger and more overwhelming. Therapy is a place to gently face those fears, step by step, in a safe and supportive environment. I’m not here to judge you, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we explore what’s keeping anxiety in control, develop practical skills, and practice strategies that help you gradually confront and manage what feels uncomfortable. I genuinely want to help my clients reach a place of relief, even if that means you no longer need me. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and ERP, my goal is to help you feel more in control, more confident, and ultimately more like yourself.

What are some of the most common issues you help clients with, and how do you approach these challenges?

I work with clients on concerns such as self-doubt, anxiety, OCD, and life transitions, including career or school changes, entering or exiting relationships, rediscovering personal values, and developing healthy boundaries. My approach is integrative and personalized, meaning I tailor therapy to each individual’s unique needs while drawing from evidence-based techniques, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Together, we focus on building practical skills, increasing self-awareness, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments in mental health and counseling practices?

I’m a lifelong learner who’s always eager to expand my knowledge and skills, especially when it helps me better support my clients. I care deeply about showing up prepared, engaged, and continually improving in the ways I serve others. I actively engage in professional networks, read mental health research and articles, and participate in ongoing continuing education opportunities. This helps me ensure that I’m using up-to-date, evidence-based practices to best support my clients.

What advice would you give to someone considering therapy for the first time?

Just do it! Most of the time it’s not as intimidating as you imagine. The fear of something unknown is often worse than reality. Putting off getting support can keep you stuck longer than necessary. Reaching out for that first session takes a lot of courage, and it’s a powerful step toward facing fears instead of letting them run the show. Some people come to me saying that they went to therapy before, but it wasn’t a fit. While I’m sure that was frustrating for them, I applaud them for reaching out again and giving it another chance, since therapists can differ greatly. It’s kind of like dating to find the right fit for you! As a therapist, I make sure I’m helping clients reach their goals by clearly identifying those goals and working through that lens in each session. Your time is valuable, and I’m committed to stewarding it well so that you get the most out of every session.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work, and how do these activities influence your counseling style?.

Outside of work, I participate in my own therapy, which helps me show up as a better wife, friend, and therapist. I fully believe that I can’t take my clients places I haven’t gone myself, and I want them to know that I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the couch.I also love traveling, it’s one of my favorite ways to reset and recharge. I try to practice what I preach to clients around self-care, whether that’s spending quality time with friends, going to yoga or a sound bath (don’t knock it until you try it!), or treating myself to a good foot massage. I enjoy walks around the city with my husband and our dog whenever we can. (When the weather is nice) I also used to take dance classes, and while I don’t do it as often now, it’s still one of my favorite ways to reconnect with myself and recharge. These experiences remind me how important balance, movement, and intentional rest are, and they strongly shape how I support clients in building sustainable, real-life self-care routines. I love to get creative with clients on how they can participate in self care that aligns with their passions and interests.

How do you measure progress and success in therapy, and what milestones do you celebrate with clients?

Measuring progress is a crucial part of the therapy process. You are investing your time and money into working with me, so you deserve to know that I’m stewarding this well and helping you clearly see your progress along the way. Progress in therapy looks different for everyone but I use several ways to measure success, including decreased scoring on assessments throughout the therapy process, symptom reduction, increased confidence, healthier thought patterns, and improved emotional regulation. We may also use standardized assessments from the beginning of therapy and compare them to a client’s current state to track meaningful change over time. In addition, I often use rating scales to measure levels of distress around specific situations or behaviors and monitor how those decrease over time. Having measurable markers allows us to clearly see growth, celebrate progress, and stay aligned on what’s working.