Meet Shelly

Shelly Smith, LMFT

Co-founder / Therapist

I can reassure you that we all have challenges. It’s part of being human, and it’s part of having relationships with others. Trying to ‘do it all’ can be exhausting. And, even while feeling successful, it’s easy to get worn down and feel like we aren’t living as fully as we’d like. Life is hard and relationships are complicated. You deserve the opportunity to find happiness and fulfillment. 

Therapy creates an opportunity for you to take time for yourself, to think through what you want to be different, and to fix what’s not working. For years, I have worked successfully with individuals, couples, and families to help them increase satisfaction and reconnect in ways that they’ve been missing.

My approach:

My approach to counseling begins with you. We tailor our sessions to focus on your needs and to reach your goals. Together, we'll figure out how to help you create lasting change as quickly as possible.   

My background:

After earning my Bachelor of Science from Butler University in Indianapolis, I worked for several years as a middle school teacher and youth director in Indiana. It was incredibly rewarding and challenging. Working with students and their families helped me realize that my passion was in helping people create meaningful change. This led me to pursue my Masters’ degree and License in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT).  

I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate and provide systemic supervision for therapists. I’ve had specialized counselor training including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and WPATH Foundations for Health Professionals. I am a Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator working with couples. I use these and others in an integrative approach to individual, couple, and family therapy. I encourage self-care practices to help you tap into your own resources for healing and growth.    

Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, my husband and I spent 15 years living in Indianapolis, where our children enjoyed their earliest years. We then lived in Illinois for five years. Now we’re happily settled in the Milwaukee area. I volunteer with Girl Scouts, as a Mentor for CareerVillage, and with the American Red Cross Disaster Services. When I’m not spending time with family and friends, my self-care includes reading, nature, yoga, triathlons, laughing, and good coffee.          

When you’re ready, we’re here.

License numbers: IL #166.001023, WI #1102-124, MN #3790, IN #35001994A