Willow Wakeley-Smith

Willow Wakeley-Smith is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, motivation, and depression. She also supports those coping with ADHD, confidence issues, addictions, relationship strain, and grief. Her approach centers on respect, sensitivity, and compassion while adapting to each person’s needs.

Willow builds treatment plans that change as a person’s goals and situation change. She aims for practical progress that shows up in day-to-day life. That means setting clear goals, checking how therapy is helping, and adjusting methods when needed.

She has five years of clinical work with adults and more than ten years of broader professional experience that includes school settings. That background contributes to a grounded understanding of parenting concerns and of people living with moderate and significant mental health conditions.

Willow draws on several therapeutic approaches to match what a client needs. She uses client-centered techniques to create a collaborative space, cognitive behavioral tools to address thinking and behavior patterns, and mindfulness strategies to build coping skills. Motivational interviewing and relationship-focused work are part of her toolkit when relevant.

Willow practices in Missouri as an LCSW. She speaks English and does not accept international clients. If the issues listed resonate, prospective clients are invited to consider whether her style might fit their goals.

How Willow's Approaches Fit Online Work

Willow uses client-centered methods that focus on the person’s goals and priorities, creating a space where the client leads the pace and topics. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and teaches concrete skills to change them. Mindfulness Therapy adds simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve coping.

Finding the right approach is a joint process. Willow will discuss how each method might help with your goals and adapt techniques based on your needs and preferences. That collaborative planning helps make sure sessions feel useful and relevant.

Session options are not specified in her biography, so confirm current session formats before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days by reducing travel time and allowing more flexible scheduling. They can also allow for shorter check-ins when a quick support moment is needed. Licensed professionals, including Willow, will work with you to choose what best fits your routine and goals.