Profile / United States
Will Smith, LCSW
Illinois
LCSW - Anxiety and Trauma care
See online therapy options- CBT methods
- Trauma-focused work
- Men and fatherhood
About Will
Will Smith is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 10 years of professional experience. He helps people who are feeling stressed, anxious, grieving, struggling with self-esteem, managing anger, or navigating major life changes. He also works with concerns around relationships, parenting, career direction, and trauma.
In sessions he uses straightforward, practical methods to notice patterns in thoughts and behavior. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-focused work to address how past events and current thinking interact. The focus is on making small, testable changes that can reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.
He pays particular attention to men’s mental health and fatherhood topics. He also has experience supporting people reentering society after incarceration. These interests shape the kinds of conversations he brings to the room and the goals he helps clients set.
Will aims to create an environment where people can describe their thoughts and feelings without judgement. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented, with clear steps between meetings. Homework and simple experiments are often used to practice new responses outside sessions.
People who prefer direct feedback, concrete strategies, and a focus on changing unhelpful habits are likely to find this style useful. He works in Illinois and conducts sessions in English. To begin, clients follow the listed online intake steps to match and schedule an initial appointment.
How his approaches translate to online work
Will uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice thought patterns and try different responses. CBT in this setting focuses on identifying automatic thoughts, testing them with small behavioral experiments, and building practical skills to reduce anxiety or improve mood.He also uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to address the ways past events affect current reactions. That approach involves slowing the pace when needed, grounding techniques, and gradually working on distressing memories or reactions so they interrupt life less often.
Finding the right approach is part of the first few sessions. He works collaboratively to choose methods that match a client's goals and comfort level, adjusting the plan as progress is observed. Clients set goals and review practical steps together.
The specifics of how sessions are run should be confirmed before booking. If you are considering online work, the main practical benefit is fitting therapy into a busy schedule - sessions can be easier to connect to around work, during a lunch break, or when travel would otherwise be a barrier. Online meetings can also allow shorter check-ins when that fits a client's needs. Confirm the available session formats and scheduling details before your first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with most often?
He helps with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, self-esteem, relationship strain, parenting concerns, career questions, and effects of trauma.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions?
He uses CBT to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and to try practical behavior changes. Sessions often include small experiments and skills practice between meetings.
What is his professional background?
He has more than 10 years of clinical experience and works with people on issues related to trauma, reentry after incarceration, and men's mental health.
Where is he licensed to practice?
He holds an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, listed as IL LCSW, and practices in Illinois.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to start working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.