Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Dr. Smith’s goal is to help clients move beyond survival and begin building healthier relationships, stronger emotional foundations, and a renewed sense of purpose.  Known for his authentic and straightforward approach, Dr. Smith believes healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment.   Dr. Smith utilizes an integrative counseling approach tailored to the specific needs of each client. 

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His counseling style is compassionate, engaging, practical, and solution focused while remaining sensitive to each client’s unique story, values, and background.  His primary therapeutic modalities include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. Through these approaches, he works collaboratively with clients to strengthen emotional regulation, improve communication, identify unhealthy thought patterns, develop practical coping skills, and foster healthier relationships.  

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A native of Gainesville, Florida, Dr. Smith is the Founder and Senior Pastor of The Ark Church of Gainesville and the founder of After The Storm, a counseling and relationship enrichment initiative focused on restoration, communication, and healing after difficult life experiences. Through counseling, coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, he has helped countless individuals and couples work through relational conflict, emotional distress, life transitions, grief, family challenges, and personal growth concerns.

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In addition to his counseling work, Dr. Smith is the author of several books including The Job Mindset: Faith in Uncertain Times, Perfectly Flawed: The Super Glued Marriage, After The Storm, and the After The Storm Workbook Companion.

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Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Smith’s Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Education degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, he is currently completing a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling.  . He also holds certifications in marriage counseling, premarital counseling, applied suicide intervention, and chaplaincy care.  

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To schedule an appointment, call 800-715-3606.