I take a holistic approach to understanding each client and their unique presenting concerns. I appreciate that our mind, body, spirit, and relationships are all intertwined and intimately affected by one another. I try to focus on each client's strengths and talents in addition to their struggles and areas for growth.
I have a flexible therapeutic style that draws from several major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy. At a basic level, I believe that there is inherent value in increasing self-understanding and self-acceptance. As clients come to a deeper appreciation for how their personal history can affect their current feelings, motivations, and relationships, they often feel more grounded and better able to make well-informed decisions about how to live their lives in a rewarding manner.
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My short bio
Education
I graduated from Ohio University with my Bachelor's Degree in 1971. Graduate school began a year later, first attending Xavier University. Transferring to Marshall University for one year, I returned to my favorite university and completed my Master's Degree in 1976. After working many years, I returned to Ohio University and completed my Ph.D. in 1989. My Psychologist license was granted in 1990.
Work Experience
In 1971 I was hired in the psychology department of Portsmouth Receiving Hospital, a short-term psychiatric facility operated by the Ohio Department of Mental Health. I completed my graduate studies while working at this facility. During the 1990's I returned to work for several years as their Consulting Psychologist.
Hospital Practice
Over the years, I have worked as a Consulting Psychologist for hospitals in the region. These hospitals include Southern Ohio Medical Center, River Valley Health Systems, and Adena Regional Medical Center. At Adena RMC in the early 1990's, I provided psychology consultation for their new Counseling Center which is now a major provider of mental health services in the region.
My standards
When considering concerns about a practitioner, take account of the standards and documents listed below. You can download these documents from this website. Printed copies of Board documents can be provided on request (email here: contact me).
- THE RELEVANT CORE COMPETENCIES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS (INCLUDING CULTURAL COMPETENCIES AND ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES FOR VOCATIONAL SCOPES OF PRACTICE);
- ANY RELEVANT BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES ADOPTED OR PUBLISHED BY GILLIAN;
- THE BOARD’S ADOPTED DECISION GUIDELINES RELATING TO PARTS 3 & 4 OF THE HPCA ACT.
- THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS WORKING IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND 2002 (ENGLISH VERSION, OR SEE TE REO VERSION HERE);
- THE HEALTH PRACTITIONERS COMPETENCE ASSURANCE (HPCA) ACT 2003;
Testimonials
After being committed to numerous institutions and rehabs, and seeing multiple psychologists, the thought of happiness was a distant possibility for me. By the time I met Dr. Sam, I was in the grips of my addiction, and believed there was no other way for me to live. I had lost all sense of direction, and Dr. GIllian Smith helped me uncover many layers of my emotional pain to help me get a new perspective on my life.
Jessica Moore
Gillian has been a big part of my life. I have felt so comfortable telling her everything that was going on with me and she helped me more than I could have ever imagined. She was there during some really ugly times and was always the first person I wanted to talk to. I so appreciate everything that she has done for me. I never knew I could feel that safe.
Paula Davis
Dr. Smith epitomizes the ideal of what an outstanding psychotherapist should be. She doesn´t just sit back and listen; she actively and constructively participates in every therapeutic session. She is a caring person who always gives constructive advice about how to resolve our conflicts and deal with the issues that trouble us. She is like a wise member of our family whose advice and counseling is objective and heartfelt.
Dorothy Franklin