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Estherlene Denise Smith
About
Hello and Welcome! My name is Estherlene Denise Smith, but I prefer to be called Denise. I currently live in Milwaukee, WI, and I am a licensed therapist, and social worker with over 30 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. As a therapist I believe that ever individual deserves to be heard and have someone that will listen and provide a warm and supportive environment where they can feel emotionally safe and protected. I bring those caring and compassionate skills into my everyday practice. I believe in creating a safe space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, respected and can be yourself.
As a young social worker/liaison, I worked for Birth to 3 programs where the clients were newborn babies, born with developmental delays, and disabilities such as Down Syndrome, and Autism. I consulted with the children's physicians who helped me to understand the needs of these children as they would transition from childhood to adolescents to adulthood. I observed these children go through many therapies and care givers providing them with loving and affirming care. My motivation to work with autistic adults and neurodivergent client's comes from the heart, knowing that every individual deserves to have that same affirming care as the children to help them be healthy and life-long functioning adults.
In our sessions you can expect a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel safe to share your thoughts, feelings, and express your experiences openly. My therapeutic approach to therapy is collaborative and individualized, and my style is relaxed and flexible creating a safe place for honesty and mutual respect, and a sense of emotional safety. I believe that trust is the foundation that develops that meaningful and lasting therapeutic relationship. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in situations that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to walk alongside you and support you through your journey. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with you. I look forward to getting to know you and working together as you move towards your goals.
