Dr. Ashlande Smith, EdD, LMHC-QS
Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Qualified Clinical Supervisor | Bilingual (English & Haitian Creole)
Hello, and welcome. I’m Dr. Ashlande Smith, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Clinical Supervisor in the state of Florida. With more than a decade of experience in mental health, education, crisis intervention, and community-based services, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. Throughout my career, I have served in schools, community mental health agencies, private practice settings, and crisis response teams, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while discovering their strengths and resilience.
What Led Me to Become a therapist
From an early age, I found myself naturally drawn to helping others. I have always believed that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered. As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the emotional struggles people often carry silently, whether related to trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, or life transitions.
My desire to become a therapist was rooted in a passion for helping people recognize their worth and realize their potential. I wanted to create a space where individuals could feel safe enough to be vulnerable, process their experiences, and develop the tools needed to move forward with confidence. I truly believe that healing happens when people are given the opportunity to tell their story, feel understood, and discover that they are capable of more than they may realize.
Today, nothing brings me greater fulfillment than walking alongside individuals during difficult seasons of life and witnessing their growth, healing, and transformation. My goal is not simply to help clients overcome challenges, but to inspire them to become the healthiest, strongest, and most authentic version of themselves.
What You Can Expect During Our Sessions
I believe therapy should feel like a partnership. My approach is warm, compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs and goals. I strive to create a nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences while feeling supported every step of the way.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, or major life changes, I will work alongside you to identify obstacles, build coping skills, gain deeper insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I understand that seeking therapy can feel intimidating, and I honor the courage it takes to ask for help. My hope is that our work together will help you find clarity, strengthen your resilience, improve your relationships, and move toward a life that feels more balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling.
Education and Professional Background
I earned my Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. In addition to my clinical work, I serve as an educator and mentor, teaching future helping professionals at the collegiate level and supervising emerging clinicians as they develop their professional identities.
Languages
Services are available in both English and Haitian Creole, allowing me to provide culturally responsive care to a diverse range of clients.
