Elizabeth Smith, BA, BSW, RSW

I’ve been fortunate enough 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 partner, 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 feel blessed every day to be able to do the work that I do. I provide counselling services for adults 18+, individuals and couples. My primary areas of practice include adult mental health and relationship counselling. 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 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 recently obtained training and certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma and am pleased to offer this targeted therapeutic approach to enhance my clients’ healing.

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 learn new information and skills that will benefit them life long. I feel honoured when my clients allow me to walk beside them on this journey of self actualization.

I take pride in my ability to connect with and relate to people. 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 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 valued clients, you will find me travelling, golfing, camping, digging in the dirt, and spending time with friends and family.