Quanaisha “Nay” Smith, M.A.

Doctoral Candidate

Supporting teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families in developing insight, strengthening relationships, and navigating life with greater clarity and confidence.

You’re Looking for Therapy That Feels Warm, Honest, and Real

You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in familiar patterns, or unsure how to make sense of what you’re experiencing. Perhaps anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges are taking up more space in your life than you want — or you’re navigating questions around identity, connection, or your role within relationships and family systems.

You want therapy that feels human, collaborative, and grounded — not distant or overly clinical. You want to feel understood, while also being thoughtfully challenged in ways that help you grow.

Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating or impersonal. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

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My goal is to create a therapeutic space where you feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing primarily from psychodynamic and person-centered frameworks. This allows us to explore both present-day concerns and the deeper patterns that may be influencing how you think, feel, and relate to others.

In therapy, we may explore:

How past experiences and relational patterns are showing up in the present
Increasing self-awareness and emotional insight
Identifying patterns that no longer serve you
Developing skills to navigate life’s challenges more effectively
Strengthening your sense of identity and self-trust
Finding clarity and perspective during difficult situations

I believe therapy should be collaborative and meaningful — shaped by your needs, goals, and pace.

My style is warm, supportive, straightforward, and collaborative. I strive to meet clients with empathy and curiosity, while also being honest and direct when it’s helpful for growth.

In our work together, you can expect:

A space where you feel seen, safe, and respected
Thoughtful questions that help you draw your own conclusions
Clear, digestible reflections and insights
Empathy paired with gentle, meaningful challenge
Lightheartedness and humor when appropriate
A therapist who is engaged, human, and present

Clients often share that they feel understood and valued in our sessions. They appreciate my ability to put words to complex experiences, offer new perspectives, and approach therapy in a way that feels both validating and real.

I work with a wide range of clients, including:

Teens, young adults, and adults
Couples and families
Individuals navigating anxiety, depression, or trauma
Clients exploring identity and LGBTQIA+ related concerns
Those experiencing relational or family challenges

I also have specialized training and experience in psychological evaluations and forensic assessments.

You may be a good fit for working with me if you value a therapist who is warm, honest, collaborative, and invested in helping you build insight and confidence.

My work is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I primarily draw from:

Psychodynamic therapy
Person-centered therapy

This approach allows us to explore both emotional depth and practical understanding, helping you feel better equipped to manage life’s complexities — both inside and outside of therapy.

Master of Arts (M.A.)
Doctoral Candidate
Specialized training in Psychological Evaluations & Forensic Assessments
Licensure: Virginia — under the supervision Dr. Ariel Ham, Psy.D., LCP, CSOTP

Outside of the therapy room, I’m a foodie who loves to travel and dance. I enjoy spending time with my child, dog, and friends, and I value staying connected to the things that bring joy and balance to life. I approach therapy as a human navigating life alongside you, and I’m honored to support clients as they work through their own experiences and growth.

Now accepting:

Teens, young adults, and adults
Couples & families
Clients seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relational concerns, identity exploration, and psychological evaluations

If you’re looking for therapy that feels warm, honest, and collaborative, I’d be honored to work with you. Click below to schedule a consultation or request an appointment.

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Quanaisha “Nay” Smith, M.A.

Doctoral Candidate

How I Help

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Who I Work With

My Approach

Credentials & Experience

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