- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness tools
- Motivational interviewing
About Willow
Willow Wakeley-Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri with five years of clinical experience working with adults. She focuses on stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, motivation, depression, ADHD, confidence, and other common struggles people face today. Sessions emphasize practical strategies and clear goals rather than abstract theory. She notes that therapy evolves as goals and needs change.
Willow draws on Client-Centered Therapy to listen closely and shape work around each person's concerns. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes that make daily life easier. Mindfulness techniques are offered to help with attention, stress, and sleep. She also integrates Motivational Interviewing to support people who want to change habits and the Gottman Method for relationship communication skills when relevant.
Her background includes more than ten years of professional work with children settings and five years of clinical work with adults experiencing moderate to significant mental health conditions. That school-based experience informs how she supports parents and caregivers facing special education or disability-related stresses. Willow aims to make progress feel tangible and connected to everyday life.
She works with a wide range of concerns including grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, bipolar and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive issues, life purpose, and career questions. Additional focuses include adoption and foster care, autism and Asperger Syndrome, gender dysphoria, hoarding, and caregiver stress. Willow communicates in English and sees clients in Missouri.
Willow asks prospective clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session to begin. Sessions are arranged through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and costs vary with location.
How her approaches translate to online work
Willow often blends Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions. Client-Centered Therapy means the therapist listens closely and follows the client's concerns, helping people set the focus and pace. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or adjust routines.She also uses Mindfulness Therapy to practice attention and stress management skills that can reduce rumination and support better sleep. These methods suit common issues she treats, such as anxiety, ADHD, mood concerns, and coping with life changes. Deciding which approach to emphasize is collaborative; she works with clients to pick methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences rather than imposing a single plan.
Session formats are not listed explicitly in her biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Some people prefer video for face-to-face interaction, while others find phone check-ins simpler when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Willow will discuss practical arrangements and help match the format to each client's day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family issues, trauma and grief, and life purpose concerns.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She combines Client-Centered listening with CBT and Motivational Interviewing to set clear goals and try small behavior changes that build momentum.
What is her clinical background?
She has five years of clinical work with adults and more than ten years of prior professional work in settings with children and schools.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Missouri and works with clients located in that state.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.