- Client-centered care
- CBT and solutions
- Sleep and stress focus
About Cortney
Cortney (Bota) Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who focuses on practical, person-centered care. She emphasizes meeting each person where they are and helping them move toward clear goals. Cortney writes simply and listens closely to what matters most to the individual in front of her.
She brings 11 years of clinical experience, much of it in community clinic settings working directly with adult clients. Her background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, plus extensive clinical internship hours across different placements. Cortney has experience addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, and sleep problems.
In sessions she uses client-centered methods alongside solution-focused strategies and cognitive behavioral techniques. That means she emphasizes the client’s own goals, looks for practical steps that produce change, and helps people test new ways of thinking and behaving. Motivational interviewing is another tool she uses to support readiness for change.
She is based in New York and conducts work in English. Cortney aims to support people as they come to their own decisions and take next steps toward better coping, improved sleep, and daily functioning. Her style is straightforward and collaborative, focused on small, achievable changes.
If you decide to reach out, she asks that you consider her listed hours when scheduling so sessions can fit into your life.
How client-centered and practical approaches work online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s goals. The therapist follows the person's lead, reflects concerns back, and helps clarify what the client wants to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses concrete exercises to try different ways of thinking and acting to reduce symptoms and improve routines such as sleep.Choosing the best approach is part of the process. Cortney will work together with each person to identify goals, try strategies, and adapt methods based on what is helpful. That collaboration makes it easier to adjust the plan over time as needs and preferences change.
Confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Online work can make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make it easier to keep appointments during work breaks or when managing family logistics. The focus remains on finding practical steps to improve coping, mood, daily routines, and sleep habits.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Cortney address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleep difficulties, parenting stress, self-esteem, career challenges, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is person-centered and collaborative. She pairs that with solution-focused techniques and cognitive behavioral strategies to help people set goals and try practical steps that may lead to change.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She has 11 years of experience working as a mental health therapist, mostly in community clinic settings with adult clients. Her training includes a BA in Psychology and an MS in Mental Health Counseling plus extensive internship hours.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds the New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential (NY LMHC) and practices from New York.
In what language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions billed and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.