Hi, I am Mary Kevan Smith, but I go by MK. I am a licensed professional counselor associate in Texas supervised by Quinn Smelser, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S. As a counselor, I strive to support clients to build coping skills and to better understand themselves. My counseling approach is person-centered, and it focuses on individualizing treatment for each person.

 

I incorporate cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness skills to support people who have experienced trauma. I use an integrative lens, including attachment and developmental theories, cognitive behavioral theory, and trauma-informed care, to meet each client’s needs. I work with clients to understand how their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are connected and how their past may impact how they are currently feeling or experiencing the world. 

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My clientele includes adults, children, and families. I have specialized experience working with children and adolescents who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns. I hope to create a space where my clients feel accepted and are able to be their most authentic self.

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I received my undergraduate degree from West Virginia University in Psychology and moved back to Texas to pursue a career in education. I taught pre-k through fifth grade in my five years as a teacher. During this time, I helped students develop functional communication skills as all the students I worked with had autism diagnoses and required extra support with behavior concerns and social skills. After four years in the classroom, I accepted a job as a facilitator to guide families in how the school system can best support their child. 

 

To better support children and families outside the school system, I made the choice to pursue a degree in counseling. I completed my Master’s in Counseling at St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. During my Master’s program, I worked at a children’s residential treatment center, helping patients process traumatic experiences and build healthy relationships with other children and adults. I am trained in different trauma-focused care models (SAMA, TBRI, and TF-CBT) and use play therapy skills in practice.