Certifications: Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Born to parents with unresolved trauma is rarely discussed, though common. My early life was shaped by my mother’s preference for my older sisters. She’d not wanted a third child. My father complicit in the narrative to treat me differently. In family systems theory, the family scapegoat (also known as the "Identified Patient") is the individual who unconsciously absorbs the collective anxiety, shame, and projected dysfunction of the entire family unit. Rather than being a personal failure, this role is a structural mechanism used by dysfunctional or narcissistic families to maintain a false sense of stability and avoid confronting their true issues. My mother’s psychiatric hospitalization meant I had to be blamed for her mental issues, hence the identified patient. I was sent to live in a church commune at 14 years old. The family minimizes my achievements and I’m punished for pointing out dysfunction.
The obvious gift I’ve had, since 6 years old, is from a near death experience following a tonsillectomy. I have a memory of hovering above the gurney before I met Jesus. Pure love. At home, I was instructed to stop telling the story. Regardless, the unseen realm has been part of me since.
I’ve been able to reclaim dignity as an adult. I had to stop tolerating other people’s narratives and build my own.
Raised in an age and area where bias and prejudices were accepted. My focal point was different. I was nurtured by people of color. The cultural and gender prejudices that were so prevalent were the catalyst that launched my early career in Social Work. When I later moved to Washington State, I began working in crisis and family therapy. On a personal level, I was very drawn to alternative healing and continued self-improvement. I studied equine assisted psychotherapy, meditation, intuition, astrology, tarot, and nutrition to focus on increased self-care. I became a Reiki Teacher, and studied many years to receive rites from a Shaman.
My focus is from a systems perspective. How are “parts” of a marriage, family, individual integrating? I work alongside adults, couples and families. I look forward to making a shared plan and collaborating as you learn and grow in areas important to you.
Lisa Smith
I also look forward to a time in the future when alternative therapies become commonly accepted and have affordable access. I talk with you as your resource guide and provide evidence-based modalities with focus on current neuroscience life “hacks”. We will discuss your triggers and responses to implement cognitive and emotional functioning to improve your quality of life.
I partner with Journey Clinical to provide Ketamine assisted therapy. It is best known as children’s anesthesia. Gently, the dissociative property of this medicine assists changes in perception and personal narratives. Together, we’ve prepared to address areas where there were no answers, only circumstantial loops of thoughts. With a non-judgmental relationship, we discuss acceptance of the experience. Whether you are contemplating use or have a relationship with other psychedelic medicine, we will build an open, therapeutic alliance. As entheogenic experiences are discussed in academic research and media, coupled with law enforcement deprioritization, there is a need for honoring an individual’s choice. I help you prepare with conversations about safety, therapeutic intentions, preparing your “vessel” for wellness and creating a setting without distraction. The therapeutic yield from medicine by reviewing your life, setting intentions, preparing for a ceremony and conversations after your experience are integral to the restorative effects described in research.
The Spirit Horses name comes from experiential therapy with horses. Equine assisted psychotherapy has been used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD and is known to enhance emotional healing. A horse’s sophisticated level of perception of human emotion allows a powerful exchange of energy The horse/human relationship embodies a spiritual power of independence, freedom, nobility, endurance, strength and courage. Horses figure in history for helping humans travel long, sometimes difficult, paths. Through them we have a better understanding of the world around us, and the universe within ourselves. This modality complements concepts learned in an office setting.
