About Me

Joyce Smith, LCSW, MSW, MPH

By Design Counseling & Wellness, PLLC

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have practiced social work with a public health approach for more than 19 years in various capacities and worked with individuals and family for more than 25 years.

I care about people and enjoy working with children, adolescents, individuals, families, and veterans who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, moral injury, relationship issues, family conflict, ADHD, school issues, stress, autism, grief, and other things that affect us all at times during our lives.

I have a genuine desire and compassion to meet people where they are, to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals going through a crisis or a difficult time. I will meet the person at their current level of functioning to establish goals, provide education, and create a holistic method to healing which embraces your unique strengths that can assist you in your healing.

I have a Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, and a B.A. in Psychology with cognate in Sociology from the University of South Carolina, Aiken, SC.

My Approach & Philosophy

We are each designed uniquely. Deep down, at the core of our being, we all have a longing for wholeness. The way we experience this basic desire in our day-to-day lives may differ. Maybe it’s a sense of belonging when we experience significance with someone or are accepted. Maybe it is a hollow feeling of disconnection or loneliness, or perhaps it is a compulsion to ease pain in an unhealthy way. Whatever the case, the desire for wholeness is basic to our design and the human experience.

Sometimes we all need a little help in dealing with life’s problems and/or finding true meaning and wholeness to our lives. It is often a difficult decision to reach out for help. It takes a lot of courage and inner strength. The counseling process can be extremely empowering and life-changing. True and lasting change occurs when there is an all-inclusive approach that addresses one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual needs.

My hope is to collaboratively work together so you can begin the process of healing, make some changes and free you to be who you were designed to be.

Contact Me Today

Call
(980)-444-3283

Address

707 E Second Ave
Gastonia, NC 28054-7144

Availability

We offer morning, afternoon and evening weekday appointments for your convenience.