Lesley Smith, BSW, MSW, RCSW

Hi, I’m Lesley. A Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) based in Calgary, Alberta.

Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. Many of the people who find their way to my practice are thoughtful and capable. On the surface, their lives may look steady – but internally, they feel anxious, self-critical, or quietly stuck in patterns or situations that no longer fit.

I’m drawn to the question of how these patterns formed in the first place, and how they shift when met with awareness and understanding. My work integrates EMDR and Natural Processing to help metabolize the experiences that continue to shape your nervous system, your relationships, and the ways you relate to yourself and the world.

I don’t believe therapy needs to be dramatic to be meaningful. Change often happens through careful attention, at a pace your system can tolerate. My style is calm, collaborative, and grounded. I’m interested in lasting change, not quick fixes.

I offer in-person therapy in Calgary as well as secure online psychotherapy throughout Alberta and Ontario.

If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in Calgary or online therapy that makes space for depth and nuance, I offer a supportive, non-judgemental place to begin.

Credentials

  • Master’s degree in Social Work
  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
  • Social Work diploma

Registrations

  • Alberta College of Social Workers
  • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Memberships

  • EMDR International Association
  • EMDR Canada

Training

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • EMDR Basic Training Parts 1&2
  • EMDR 2.0
  • Healing the wounds of attachment and rebuilding self

Natural Processing (Somatic EMDR)

  • Level 1 – Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy with EMDR
  • Level 2 – Subtle dissociation, Developmental Trauma, Attachment dynamics
  • Level 3 – Effectively Working with Process
  • Level 5 – OCD, Physical Pain, Depression, Collaborative Alliances
  • 2 Day Special topics: Working the Somatics of Shame
  • Finding a Focus

Other Training

  • Calgary Family Therapy Centre Externship in Systemic Family Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (Dr. Candace Monson, Dr. Phil Shnaider)
  • Responding to Trauma – A Narrative Therapy Intensive (Angel Yuen)
  • Practice-Based Intensive DBT (Lane Pederson, PsyD, LP, DBTC)
  • DBT Skills Training Workshop (DBT Centre of Vancouver)
  • Advanced Topics in DBT Skills Training (DBT Centre of Vancouver)

It's time to forge your path of renewed strength and healing – reach out today to book a consultation