Elizabeth Smith, BA, BSW, RSW

Elizabeth is not accepting any new clients at this time. Past and current clients are welcome to book.

I’ve been fortunate to do the work I am absolutely passionate about since 2003. I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW #2235) with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. Following six years of education and after a few years gaining work experience, I began my counselling career with advanced training in 2006 in Alberta, working as a Mental Health Therapist for Alberta Health Services. A prairie farm kid at heart, I moved back to Saskatchewan in 2008 and began counselling in private practice in Saskatoon and Melfort. I joined Aspire Too in 2014 and became a co-owner, continuing my work with clients and taking on managerial responsibilities including my role as Director of Clinical Services where I oversee all clinical services within our agency.

I provide counselling services for adults 18+, individuals and couples. My primary areas of practice include adult mental health and relationship counselling. I am, first of all, a relational therapist; the quality of our relationships in life significantly impacts our well being, and the therapeutic relationship with my clients is at the heart of my work. Accompanying that, I am client centred, solution focussed, and strengths based. Those are therapy terms that basically mean I meet the client where they’re at, and I work collaboratively with the client to enhance awareness, gain insight, address concerns, set realistic goals, and develop an individualized plan based on strengths while focusing on solutions. I have training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, mental health, marital therapy, trauma and trauma recovery, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem solving. I have more recently obtained training in two mid brain, somatic therapies to further assist my clients, and hold certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Brainspotting.

I approach my work with people in a holistic manner; I believe that we must treat people as a whole, looking at all aspects of health and wellness, including physical health, mental and emotional health and well being, as well as social and spiritual considerations. I believe that assessing and addressing all areas allows us to identify strengths as well as potential areas for growth. When people are supported in a safe space without judgement, they are able to develop new perspectives, learn new information, and acquire skills that will benefit them life long.

I lead with grounded authenticity, genuine curiosity and earnest compassion. I have been told that my warm and welcoming nature allows my clients to feel understood and accepted without judgement or criticism. I am direct yet gentle in my approach. I sometimes swear a bit, and I weave humour into my sessions when appropriate, because I believe humour is an absolute necessity in most circumstances and sometimes all you can do is laugh. While I take all concerns seriously, I am able to offer a unique and refreshing perspective that people appreciate.

I work with adults 18+; individuals and couples dealing with the following:

• Depression and Mood problems
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Mental Health and Wellness
• Grief and Loss
• Co-dependency
• Relationship Breakup and Divorce Recovery
• Affair Recovery (Individuals and Couples)
• Family Conflict and Communication
• Emotional Regulation
• Personal or Work Stress Management
• Abuse Recovery including Physical, Sexual, Emotional, Financial
• Communication Skill Development
• Assertiveness
• Self Esteem
• Relationship Conflict and Skill Building
• Emotional IQ Skill Building

When I’m not working with my awesome clients, you will find me travelling, golfing, baking bread, digging in the dirt, and spending time with family and friends.