Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW

Social work is the art of listening and the science of hope.

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Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW's style

Why Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW chose to be in the helping profession

I chose to become a therapist because it brings together everything I’ve always been passionate about: psychology, empowering others, and the quiet magic that happens when someone feels truly heard. Over time, I’ve seen just how powerful the smallest moments can be. A safe space, a thoughtful question, a listening ear can open something up that wasn’t accessible before. For some people, all it takes is one genuine connection or a single “aha” moment to begin a new chapter in their life.

To me, therapy isn’t just about fixing a problem or getting to a specific destination. It’s about the journey of getting to know yourself more deeply, growing through your experiences, and learning to trust your own voice. That process can feel vulnerable at times, but it can also be incredibly meaningful and grounding. I feel honored to walk alongside my clients in that space, offering support, insight, and compassion as they move through it at their own pace.

Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW's approach

I’m a bit of a jack of all trades, with a Master of Social Work and a deep passion for supporting children and teens. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with youth in a variety of settings, including Intensive In-Community services, as well as volunteer with organizations focused on addiction recovery, eating disorders, and teen mental health. Each of these experiences has shaped how I show up, giving me a more well-rounded, hands-on understanding of the challenges young people are navigating today. I’ve seen how different environments and support systems impact growth, and I bring that perspective into the work I do with each client.

I truly believe that empowering youth starts with listening, really listening, and making space for them to feel understood without judgment. From there, I focus on offering tools that are simple, practical, and grounded in empathy, so they feel both accessible and meaningful in everyday life. My approach is relational at its core, always aiming to meet clients where they are and build from there at a pace that feels right for them. By creating a space where they feel seen, supported, and respected, I help guide them toward greater confidence, growth, and emotional resilience.

What you can expect from sessions with Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW

Therapy isn’t always about diving into the heavy stuff right away. Sometimes it’s just as meaningful to talk about a great movie you saw, a recipe you want to try, or something small that brought you a bit of joy. I believe therapy should be a space where you can talk about anything, not just the hard things, but the everyday moments too. Those lighter conversations aren’t a distraction from the work, they are part of it. They help build comfort, connection, and the kind of trust that makes deeper conversations feel possible over time.

In the beginning, my focus is on building a real, comfortable connection where you can feel at ease being yourself. There’s no pressure to jump into intense or vulnerable topics before you’re ready, and we can take things at a pace that feels right for you. When the time comes, we can gently explore the harder parts together, with care and intention. My goal is for you to feel good about showing up, knowing this is your space and you get to decide what you bring into it each time.

Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW's experience working with the Jewish community

I’ve had the privilege of working in the Jewish community for several years in a variety of roles, each one deepening my understanding of what it means to truly support others. I started out as a mentor, building one-on-one relationships and offering guidance long before I became a social worker. Those early experiences stayed with me and continue to shape how I show up today. They taught me the value of patience, consistency, and meeting people where they are. At the core of my work is that same sense of warmth and respect for each person’s unique path.

Through my work in Intensive In-Community services, I’ve gained a perspective that goes beyond what is often seen in a traditional therapy setting. I’ve been welcomed into people’s homes and have seen firsthand what daily life can really look like for different families. That experience has given me a more grounded and realistic understanding of the challenges that come up day to day. It allows me to approach each client with compassion and without judgment, recognizing the many layers that shape their experiences.

Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
  This book is about seven simple habits that one can add to elevate one's life.
• Daring Greatly
  I appreciate Daring Greatly because it offers a compassionate and deeply insightful exploration of vulnerability, not as weakness, but as the foundation for meaningful connection and true courage. Brené Brown’s research-backed approach balances warmth with clarity, encouraging personal growth without shame. It’s both grounding and empowering.
• Where to Start and What to Ask
  I value Where to Start and What to Ask for its clear, practical guidance in navigating clinical conversations, especially when working with youth and families. Lukas presents complex dynamics in a way that feels accessible and organized, making it an essential tool for building confidence and structure in early practice.

Meet the host of Michelle Mattie Smith, LSW

Team Care

Therapists

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Family Therapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Play Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Concerns

• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Body image
• Codependency
• Crisis Intervention
• Eating disorders & disordered eating
• Emotion regulation
• Life purpose and meaning
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Self-Harm/Suicidality
• Stress management

2 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Social Worker by New Jersey State 2023. License number 44SL07039600
• Licensed Master of Social Work by New York State 2023. License number 121943-01
• School Social Work License by New Jersey State 2023. License number 01725495

Degrees

• Master in Social Work by Long Island Univdersity 2023
• Bachelor of Science by Georgian Court University 2020

Awards

• Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work 2023
• Practicing Leadership Scholarship by National Society of Leadership and Success 2022
• Dean's List Honoree by Georgian Court University Fall 2019
• Dean's List Honoree by Georgian Court University Spring 2020

Trainings

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center August 2023
• Mandated Reporter Training August 2023

Affiliations

• National Association of Social Work by NASW 2023

Payment Methods

• Insurance