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Maria Smartt, LMSW, LISW

Based in Michigan Online sessions

Practical, compassionate support for parenting and life challenges

Book with Maria
Years in practice
11
Credentials
LMSW, LISW
Licensed in
Ohio, Michigan
Languages
English
Focus
Stress, Anxiety
Focus
Trauma and abuse
Focus
Parenting issues
About

About Maria

Maria Smartt is an independently licensed social worker practicing in Michigan and Ohio. She holds a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Social Worker credential and brings 11 years of professional experience to her work. Maria focuses on clear, direct support for people facing parenting stress, anxiety, depression, and related concerns.

She treats each person with respect and compassion. Maria keeps conversations practical and goal-focused. She adapts sessions to what each person needs, whether that means tools for managing day-to-day stress or strategies to improve confidence.

Background and approach

She uses straightforward techniques to address motivation, addictive behaviors, and anger without jargon. When trauma or past abuse is part of someone's story, Maria offers steady, empathetic support and helps people find steps forward at a pace that feels safe. She also brings experience with adoption and foster care questions and issues that affect veterans and armed forces communities.

Her style is collaborative - she listens first, then helps build a plan that fits the person’s life and goals. Sessions are conversational and focused on what will make a practical difference at home and work. Maria works with people across a range of concerns related to relationships, family stress, and identity issues including LGBT matters.

She aims to make therapy approachable for people who may be unsure where to begin.

Focus areas and approaches

What Maria works with

Everything Maria lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Maria helps people with.

Approaches Maria lists

Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.

Online support

How Maria’s Approaches Work Online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s own goals. The therapist follows the client’s lead and helps them clarify what matters most, which can be useful for parenting stress and confidence building.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and actions affect mood and behavior. It offers concrete tools and short exercises to change unhelpful patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, and anger.

Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style that helps someone find their own reasons to change. It can be helpful when motivation is low or when deciding on steps related to addictions or lifestyle shifts.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Maria collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video allows a fuller face-to-face feel, phone can be a quick check-in or a lower-bandwidth option, live chat works for shorter exchanges, and messaging is useful for ongoing check-ins between sessions. These options make scheduling easier and help therapy fit into busy family and work routines.
Questions

Questions people ask about Maria

What issues does Maria commonly address?

She helps people work through stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, self-esteem, addictions, anger, relationship and family stress, and LGBT questions.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is collaborative and practical. She listens first, then offers clear strategies and steps that fit daily life.

What is Maria's background and experience?

Maria has 11 years of professional social work experience and experience supporting people with parenting, motivation, and trauma-related concerns.

What credentials and location are on record?

She holds MI LMSW and OH LISW credentials and practices in Michigan and Ohio.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How does pricing work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Maria?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

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