Jennifer Smith, LPC-S, CSC

Owner of 246 Counseling.  I am a native of Dallas, TX and a Christian who operates from this framework in my practice. I absolutely love what I do and consider it a true privilege and honor to walk with my clients through difficult times.  As someone who has benefited from counseling in my own life, I am a big believer in the process of therapy.  To learn more about my philosophy in counseling, click "Why Counseling?"

Beyond being a counselor, I am a coffee loving mom to my son and all of our crazy pets!  I served for 6 years as a licensed foster parent, providing a safe space for multiple children, and in that process had the privilege of adopting my son out of foster care.  I have a heart for working with families who have gone through, or are in the thick of, this process.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, both from Dallas Baptist University. Following undergrad I worked as a college and career planning coach for 6 years, while working on my first Master's Degree. This job provided me with exceptional training in career counseling, as well as the ability to assist families in making decisions for students after high school. 

In 2012 I graduated with a Master's in Professional Counseling from Amberton University and pursued a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in numerous rehab settings, as well as in private practice since 2012. In 2016-2017 I went back to school and obtained a second Master's Degree in School Counseling. This allows me to work full-time with teens, focused on mental health education and treatment in the school setting, while maintaining my private practice in the evenings and on weekends.

I am trained in multiple therapeutic models, and tailor therapy to the individual.  I am EMDR trained, and tend to take a person-centered approach to my work with clients.

- Eating Disorders

- Trauma

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Academic Concerns

- Life Transitions

- Foster Care / Adoption

- Teens & Adults 

I am an active member, in good standing, of both:

The Texas Counseling Association

The requirement for membership is a license to practice mental health therapy in the State of Texas

EMDRIA 

(Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association)

The requirement for membership in EMDRIA is licensure to practice mental health therapy, combined with extensive training in EMDR therapy.  I am currently trained in EMDR.  Click on the EMDRIA link above to learn more about EMDR.