Benjamin Smalley, LMFT
Benjamin Smalley, lmft

Evidence-Based Care

I’ve been a full time private practice therapist since 2018 and have obtained a full clinical level of licensure. I treat individuals, couples and families with evidence-based therapy methods. As I practice these methods, I hold space for my clients to be whole people.
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Engaging in authentic relationship to bring forth meaningful change.
When partnerships, families, or friendships are stressed they can be a constant burden. Those same relationships can be loving, supportive, and meaningful. Helping you grow into a life filled with caring connection is my passion.
  • Are you here because you are ready to walk a new path?
  • Do you have something you need a safe place to talk about?
  • Are you feeling lost or like something is missing?
  • Do you and your loved one fight about the same things over and over and struggle to find resolutions?  
Often the growth we desire is blocked because we’ve been sold the lie that we should be able to do it all on our own. That lie can make it hard to accept that we need help in order to flourish. We’ve taken leaps as a culture in recognizing the importance of mental health, yet most of us feel some shame about seeking it.
Lone tree in desert of sand and cactus
Compassionate, interlocking hand hold

“One of the main characteristics of humanity is that we try to deny that we are human.”

I didn’t want to be as wounded by my trauma as I am. I tried to deny my dysfunction and fears. I struggled to accept that I too needed professional help. In the meantime, I was gripped by my anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms. I struggled to sleep, be present and make healthy choices. And in the moments when my pain was too great for my denial, I shamed myself. 

In early 2013 I had a revelation. I realized that some people were living passionate lives and somewhere deep within I knew I was dying to live that same way. Not knowing where it would lead, I decided to set out on a new journey.

"You will only take people as far as you've been willing to go yourself."

My journey inward, through therapy, graduate school and continued education has taught me the importance of self-acceptance. I've learned I need to accept myself as a whole person - full of flaws, hopes, fears, and gifts. Once I began this process I found a new freedom to take courageous steps towards the life I longed for. Self-acceptance is a powerful antidote for many of our mental health troubles. Our stories are deep, multi-layered and complicated. When we share them in a sacred setting like therapy, with a specialist who knows how to listen for the places under the surface where we are wounded, we begin a loving acceptance of ourselves and grow into freedom.
Rocky desert landscape covered in sand with large boulders
Happy Black couple cooking playfully in the kitchen together
Defining our work

Therapy is a process of intentionally creating space for the growth we desire. As we journey together, we become empowered to live whole and meaningful lives. Free to love, experience joy and face our fears.

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