Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Smyth.
Hi Kathryn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Houston native who went west for my education, receiving my Bachelor’s in International Studies and Spanish at Pepperdine University, and completing my Master’s in Social Work at University of Southern California with an emphasis in Children, Youth and Families. I’ve lived and traveled throughout Latin America and am passionate about providing services in Spanish as a bilingual clinician. I began my career in LA working in community-based mental health services that have ranged from settings such as residential treatment facilities, intensive home-based services, foster care, and adoption. I came back to my hometown of Houston a few years ago and continue to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at a local private practice called Pinkerton Psychotherapy. I specialize in treating trauma and perinatal mental health, and I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I absolutely love the work that I get to do each day of holding space for my clients’ healing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has definitely had some twists and turns along the way. After graduating from undergrad, I moved to Bolivia for a year to work for a non-profit organization called International Justice Mission, thinking that I would return to the States after and apply to law school. I envisioned working from a macro-lens on policy initiatives to combat human rights abuses. But during my year in Bolivia, I had the opportunity to work closely with the clinical team of social workers, therapists and psychologists who supported our clients who had experienced sexual violence, and that changed everything for me. I realized that instead of pursuing justice from a policy perspective, I actually wanted to do more client-facing, clinical work, supporting clients on an individual level in their journey towards healing. So I quickly applied to MSW programs and returned to LA after a year in Bolivia to become a social worker. After several years in LA, my husband and I made the difficult, but right, decision to move back to Houston, Texas to build a life that we desired to grow our family. We left behind our amazing community of friends and family that we’d cultivated, and of course, the beautiful weather and landscape of Southern California, and that was a really hard loss. We have been so fortunate to build a beautiful community of friends and family here in Houston, and then welcomed our son, Henry, in 2023. Another twist in my journey came when I had every intention of returning to my job in community mental health after having our son, but made the difficult (but again, the right) decision to leave that job and join a private practice. This has given me the flexibility and balance to do the work that I deeply love, while being able to be the mom that I want to be for my son. I’m grateful for every twist and turn of our journey and for the life that we’ve built because of it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice as a mental health therapist. I specialize in treating trauma throughout the lifespan, as well as perinatal mental health. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), both of which are the gold standard for trauma treatment. Using a whole-person approach, I work collaboratively with those who have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, interpersonal violence, traumatic grief, immigration-related issues, and LGBTQ+ related issues. I am also certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), I work with pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. I support my clients not only with processing their trauma, but also by developing practical coping strategies, enhancing healthy relationships, practicing self-care, reconnecting to their physical body and emotions, and clarifying goals. What drives me every day is seeing the light in my client’s eyes when they realize their inner strength. It’s truly an honor to be a witness to my client’s stories and help them establish peace and joy in their lives.
I am really proud of the work that I get to do each day being a compassionate witness to my clients’ stories. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where they can embark on a transformative journey towards empowerment, resilience, and wholeness. Most recently, I have been really excited about the Motherhood Circle, a postpartum moms support group that I launched with a colleague. We meet in person on a monthly basis and hold space for new moms to share openly about the challenges and joys of motherhood.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Oh I love this question! I was fortunate to be raised by a village of family members- both biological and chosen- who gave me all the love, warmth and connection that a child deserves. I am so eternally grateful for that. My favorite memories are always centered out in Brenham, Texas, at my grandparents’ farm property out in the country, surrounded by loved ones. There’s no way for me to narrow it down to just one memory, but the images that flash through my mind are of warm summer days by the lake, bare feet in the grass, skinned knees, apple soda, music and silly dance moves, laughter, my dad’s barbecue, my mom’s sweet treats, and my head hitting the pillow at night knowing in my bones that I am deeply loved.
Pricing:
- $185/50 minute session
- Extended EMDR sessions available upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinkertonpsychotherapy.com/kathryn-smyth/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksmyththerapy/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kathryn-smyth-houston-tx/1151635
Image Credits
Ashley Freydenfelt, Kathryn Smyth
