- Client-centered
- Solution focused
- Mindful skills
About Willow
Willow Wakeley-Smith is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical help for stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, sleep concerns, and mood issues. She uses straightforward strategies to help people make small changes that lead to clearer days and better nights. Willow emphasizes respect and compassion while tailoring plans to each person’s needs.
Willow has five years of clinical work with adults and more than ten years of professional experience working with children in educational settings. That background gives her a grounded view of parenting strains and how they affect family routines and sleep. She also brings experience supporting people with ADHD, depression, bipolar conditions, substance problems, grief, and trauma-related concerns.
Her approach draws on client-centered work, cognitive behavioral methods, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and relationship-focused skills from the Gottman Method. In sessions she listens first, then helps clients set small, manageable goals and practice new habits between meetings. For sleep and rest issues she highlights routines, coping strategies, and ways to reduce stress that can get in the way of better sleep.
Willow aims to track progress so clients can see practical change over time. She understands people are investing time and money and wants the work to feel useful. If a parent or individual is looking for a direct, collaborative approach, Willow can help explore whether her style fits your needs.
How therapeutic approaches guide online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a respectful partnership, helping people set their own goals and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change patterns that contribute to anxiety, low mood, or sleep disruption. Mindfulness Therapy introduces simple awareness practices to help reduce stress and improve attention and rest.Willow approaches treatment as a collaboration. She will work with each person to choose approaches that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is revisited over time as progress and challenges emerge so the plan stays useful and realistic.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a schedule. It can also support steady work on sleep routines and coping skills between appointments without promising any particular format.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Willow help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, sleep and rest problems, parenting challenges, mood disorders like depression and bipolar, ADHD, addictions, grief, trauma, relationship and self-esteem issues, and more.
What is her general therapy style?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. Willow listens first, then helps set small goals and teach tools from client-centered work, cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and Gottman-informed relationship skills.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has five years of clinical work with adults and over ten years of professional experience working with children in school settings, which informs her understanding of parenting and related stresses.
What credentials and location are listed?
Willow holds the Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, listed as MO LCSW, and practices in Missouri.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Willow?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.