Grief counselors and therapists in St. Louis, MO

I believe every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. With more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges. I earned my Master's Degree in Community Counseling from Pittsburg State University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II.

Throughout my career, I have worked in juvenile and adult justice systems, drug courts, schools, and community behavioral health settings. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of the many factors that influence emotional well-being and personal growth. I work with concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, anger management, substance use, relationship challenges, and adolescent behavioral issues. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

My name is Bradley Smith, and I’m a therapist who believes that meaningful change begins with feeling understood. I work with individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the everyday pressures that can make life feel overwhelming. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and heard without judgment.

I know that reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure where to start. I approach each client with curiosity, empathy, and respect for their unique experiences. Everyone’s story is different, and I believe therapy should reflect that. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable while focusing on what matters most to you.

I have been practicing for 17 years, primarily seeing adults and senior citizens. I operate from a person-centered, emotionally-focused basis. You are the expert on your life, and my goal is to help you with that. I utilize experiential and psychodramatic techniques.. These methods allow for role plays and visualizations. Such techniques increase your ability to get more deeply in touch with your issues and see situations clearly. When you reenact what happens at home, in the safety of the therapy office, solutions become clear and your voice becomes strong.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe therapy should meet you where you are while also helping you move toward where you want to be. I often compare therapy to going to the gym: it is dedicated time to strengthen the way you understand and respond to your thoughts, emotions, relationships and behaviors.

My approach is warm, direct and collaborative. You can expect empathy, compassion and acceptance, along with thoughtful questions and practical strategies that help you make meaningful changes. Your needs, experiences and goals will guide our work together.

I support adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges and major life transitions. I also have experience working with concerns related to sexual orientation, identity, suicide prevention, family dynamics and professional stress.

You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. We can start with what is happening right now and work together from there.

I have extensive experience working with people in crisis. I am challenged to get them unstuck and out of the crisis.