Rilda Smith , LMFT

Rilda Smith is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Oklahoma with 22 years of clinical experience. She brings a systemic lens to therapy, understanding that personal difficulties often arise in relation to circles of family, friends, and workplace connections. Clients appreciate this viewpoint because it helps illuminate patterns and relational dynamics that can be missed by approaches that focus only on the individual.

Her work addresses a range of struggles including coping with all types of grief and loss - not limited to bereavement - managing life transitions, anxiety and stress, caregiver issues, sleep difficulties, communication problems, anger management, money and financial concerns, self-esteem challenges, compassion fatigue, and burnout. She emphasizes practical strategies alongside empathy and support to help people navigate these challenges.

Rilda has a particular passion for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and adult TCKs, with extensive experience helping them transition to living in the United States. She approaches each person from a strengths-based perspective, believing that individuals are the experts on their own stories and bring resources that can aid healing. She recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and aims to be a supportive companion on that journey.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Rilda Smith integrates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Therapy into her work to meet different needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on seeing each person as the expert on their own life, providing empathetic listening and support to help people explore their values and choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, offering practical tools to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and address sleep or stress-related concerns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple practices that can help with emotional regulation, compassion fatigue, and coping with difficult feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Rilda collaborates with each person to determine which methods align best with their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. She adjusts strategies over time so therapy stays relevant and effective.

Online therapy lets people access care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make scheduling easier around work, caregiving, or relocation. These options support continuity of care and provide flexible ways to engage with licensed professionals and therapists from different locations.