East Lansing
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW

Shelley B. Smithson

Psychologist, PhD, MSW

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 565-0161
Let's Connect (517) 565-0161
People are sometimes challenged by turbulent emotions, transitions, losses or chronic mood issues. The day to day experience of emotional distress or an underlying sense of uneasiness affect vitality and are difficult to endure over time. Verbal dialogue within a relationship designed for you to freely express yourself, explore feelings and discover unconscious factors impacting you describes the change process of psychotherapy. I have seen many individuals over the years not only have symptom relief but find new paths while shedding patterns of disabling emotions, thoughts and behavior.
I am an "active" therapist. I listen intensely and I interact quite a bit as well, offering observations and interpretations and stating what I believe is causing pain. I create a hopeful atmosphere, even in the face of serious, sad or traumatic experiences, such that a person can discover resiliency and capacity for change.
Additional areas of expertise: Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, OCD, emotional impact of acute or chronic health issues, academic concerns/pressure of students, faculty or staff; depression, stress, grief and loss.
Take the first step to help. Call or Shelley B. Smithson now - (517) 565-0161

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 565-0161
I offer depth-oriented psychotherapy, whether in response to a current crisis or to long standing emotional or behavioral concerns.
I specialize in Depression, Eating Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) 
I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  
Let's Connect (517) 565-0161

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 565-0161
I offer depth-oriented psychotherapy, whether in response to a current crisis or to long standing emotional or behavioral concerns.
I specialize in Depression, Eating Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) 
I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  

Finances

Payment Methods

Check, Venmo

Insurance

  • Blue Care Network
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Humana
  • Medicare
  • Optum
  • Physicians Health Plan
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. or (517) 565-0161
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. or (517) 565-0161

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Michigan / 6301006305 Shelley B. Smithson

    • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 38 years
  • Attended Michigan State University, Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Graduated 1987
"
I am a psychodynamic therapist, influenced by Self Psychology, attachment theory and psychoanalytic theory. My emphasis is on establishing a trusted relationship with clients in which they can explore feelings and thoughts, resulting in a more secure sense of self and a vital engagement with life.
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
or call with questions - (517) 565-0161
"
I am a psychodynamic therapist, influenced by Self Psychology, attachment theory and psychoanalytic theory. My emphasis is on establishing a trusted relationship with clients in which they can explore feelings and thoughts, resulting in a more secure sense of self and a vital engagement with life.
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
or call with questions - (517) 565-0161

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Bisexual
  • Chronic Illness
  • Chronic Pain
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Gay/Lesbian relationship concerns
  • Grief
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Personality Disorders
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Psychosis
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Women's Issues
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
Do these issues align with your needs? or (517) 565-0161
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
Do these issues align with your needs? or (517) 565-0161

Client Focus

Age

Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals , 
Couples , 
Family

Age

Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals , 
Couples , 
Family

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Humanistic
  • Psychodynamic
"
I work with people to understand the conscious issues they bring into their therapy and to help them see the multiple levels that surface as therapy progresses. People develop insights with the psychodynamic approach I take, as emotional struggles and conflicts are understood as having a history. Change takes place as feelings are explored and processed, resulting in growth, resolution and peace.
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
or call with questions - (517) 565-0161
"
I work with people to understand the conscious issues they bring into their therapy and to help them see the multiple levels that surface as therapy progresses. People develop insights with the psychodynamic approach I take, as emotional struggles and conflicts are understood as having a history. Change takes place as feelings are explored and processed, resulting in growth, resolution and peace.
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
or call with questions - (517) 565-0161

Location

Primary Location

East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 565-0161

Email me

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

"
I offer depth-oriented psychotherapy, whether in response to a current crisis or to long standing emotional or behavioral concerns.
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
Take the first step to help. Call now - (517) 565-0161
"
I offer depth-oriented psychotherapy, whether in response to a current crisis or to long standing emotional or behavioral concerns.
Shelley B. Smithson
Psychologist, PhD, MSW
Take the first step to help. Call now - (517) 565-0161