Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Smith.
Hi Alexandria , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion for this work really grew out of a lifelong curiosity about people and relationships—and the ways they shape who we are. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Hendrix College in Arkansas before moving to Texas for graduate school at SMU, carrying with me the dream of one day building my own private practice. Part of that dream came from being raised by business owners—I saw firsthand the value of creating something of your own, and I knew early on that I wanted to build a career where I could serve people in a deeply personal way while also working for myself.
Early in my career, I had the opportunity to intern at women’s shelters and work in community mental health settings. Those experiences were foundational, as they allowed me to support individuals during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. I learned the importance of creating safety, fostering resilience, and holding space for growth even in the midst of hardship. I then got the experience of working as part of group practice where I was able to grow in my abilities as a clinician.
Over time, I pursued licensure as both a professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist, which gave me a broader perspective on both individual and relational needs. Today, that path has led me to building my private practice, where I can bring together all of those experiences to support people through life’s challenges
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along the way, there have definitely been some struggles. Early in my career, during my internships at women’s shelters and non profit organizations I was often working with clients who had very complex needs. It took time to build confidence in my skills and to trust myself as a therapist while still learning and growing.
Transitioning into private practice also came with challenges. When you step out on your own, you’re not just the therapist anymore — you’re also the business owner. That meant learning things I wasn’t trained on in grad school, like marketing, managing finances, and navigating insurance. Building a consistent caseload in the beginning took a lot of patience and creativity.
But looking back, I see those struggles as part of what shaped me. They pushed me to be resourceful, to connect with other clinicians, and to find a balance between running a practice and staying grounded in why I started — which is to help people through their relationships and life transitions. Those challenges ultimately gave me resilience and a stronger foundation for the work I do today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Thriving Relationships Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My practice, Thriving Relationships Therapy, is rooted in the belief that relationships are central to our well-being—whether that’s with a partner, family member, or even ourselves. While I work with individuals who may be experiencing depression, anxiety or self esteem concerns, I specialize in couples therapy across all seasons and transitions of a relationship. This includes premarital counseling, supporting couples as they adjust to becoming new parents, recovery from infidelity, weekend intensives for deeper, focused work, and discernment counseling for couples who feel uncertain about the future of their relationship. I also believe couples therapy can be valuable even when there isn’t a crisis—it can help partners refocus, realign, and rediscover meaning in their relationship when connection has faded over time.
In addition to my dual licensure, I bring specialized training to my work as a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator and Gottman Level 2 trained. These approaches allow me to use evidence-based tools while still creating a space that feels warm, supportive, and tailored to each couple. What sets my practice apart is the balance of authenticity and clinical expertise I bring into the room. I don’t just focus on reducing symptoms of anxiety or conflict—I help clients uncover patterns, strengthen connections, and move toward lasting change. So much of how we define ourselves is through the relationships we hold- as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Relationships shape our identity and sense of belonging and that belief drives the heart of my practice.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Thriving Relationships Therapy communicates a sense of hope and possibility. I want readers to know that my practice is about more than therapy sessions; it’s about creating a safe space where people feel supported to grow, heal, and build more meaningful, connected lives.”
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is about making a difference. It’s seeing clients grow, gain insight, and create healthier relationships. Success is measured not by numbers or titles, but by the meaningful impact I can have in someone’s life. It also includes growing as a therapist and building a practice that allows me to continue helping people in a sustainable, authentic way.
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