Maria Smartt, LMSW, LISW

Maria Smartt is an independently licensed social worker practicing in Michigan and Ohio. She holds the Licensed Master Social Worker credential and the Licensed Independent Social Worker credential and brings 11 years of professional experience to her practice. Maria aims to create a respectful, compassionate space where people can talk through hard problems and find practical steps forward.

She typically helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or issues related to abuse. She also supports people dealing with addiction, anger, low self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, and parenting challenges. Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care issues and matters related to veterans and armed forces experiences.

Maria uses an approach that centers the person in front of her. She listens first, then tailors the conversation and plan to each person's needs. That means sessions can include problem-solving, skills practice, and goal setting based on what matters most to the individual.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is part of the work she does, offering straightforward ways to identify unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone needs support with change and building motivation. Client-centered methods keep the focus on empathy and the person's own goals.

Maria encourages small, achievable steps and regular check-ins on progress. She understands reaching out for help can feel hard and aims to make the process clear and manageable from the start.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Maria uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test practical alternatives; this approach often includes simple exercises and action steps between sessions that work well over video or messaging. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening, empathy and following the client's pace to set goals and priorities. Motivational Interviewing is another method she brings when someone needs help building readiness and commitment to change.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maria collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs and preferences. Together they review what is helping and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video works well for face-to-face conversation and guided exercises. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging suit brief check-ins, quick skill coaching, or times when scheduling a full session is difficult. These options aim to make regular care more flexible and easier to fit into busy days.