Rebecca Phelps-Smith , LICSW

Rebecca Phelps-Smith is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 15 years of clinical experience based in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. As a clinician who uses evidence-based and solution-focused methods, she supports people across the lifespan in addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem and body image issues, disordered eating, substance use, anger, relationship and family conflict, grief, and post-traumatic stress.

Her background includes extensive work in emergency services, crisis intervention, and suicide risk assessment, which informs a nuanced understanding of vicarious trauma and high-stress professional environments. She has a particular interest in assisting law enforcement, first responders, and other professionals who encounter regular occupational stress, helping them develop practical coping strategies and ways to process difficult experiences.

Rebecca integrates approaches such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy to tailor care to each person’s needs. She aims to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their goals, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change under the guidance of a LICSW experienced in crisis work and trauma-informed care.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Rebecca commonly draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on empathic listening and collaboration so individuals feel understood and can explore their goals at their own pace. This approach often helps with self-esteem, relationship concerns, and the emotional effects of life changes.

She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical, skills-based method that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT is frequently used for anxiety, depression, panic, and many forms of stress-related difficulty. Mindfulness Therapy is another component of her practice, teaching present-moment awareness and grounding techniques that can reduce rumination and improve coping with distress.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative part of the work. Rebecca and clients discuss goals, preferences, and responses to different techniques and adjust the plan together so therapy fits the individual’s needs. Licensed professionals and therapists often blend methods to maximize relevance and effectiveness.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, reduce travel time, and make it easier to access support from home or work. These options allow consistent contact and adaptable pacing, helping people maintain momentum while addressing life and health commitments.