About Me

An image of Terri Smith, owner of BYTC- a smiling Asian American woman in her early 30's with long black hair, wearing a denim shirt, standing against a plain white wall.

Therese “Terri” Smith, M.Ed, LPC, RPT™ (She/Her)

Owner of Bee You Therapy Center, LLC

Hi, I’m Terri, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT)™. I believe that the foundations for happiness, freedom, and empowerment are rooted in self-acceptance and self-love. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting others in being the best versions of themselves, whatever that means and looks like to them.

It is a privilege to be able to walk with my clients on their journey, be a safe space for their authentic emotions, and witness their healing and growth.

In my free time, you can find me spending quality time with my family and friends, reading (audiobooks for life), crafting and DIY-ing (ask me about my love of short-lived hobbies), and cooking/baking!

My Background

I’ve always been drawn to “people-centered” work, from being a professional nanny and aide for developmentally-unique children to being a teacher for various grade levels. I even did a stint in nursing school once upon a time, but I eventually decided on getting a B.A. in Psychology, concentration in Developmental Psychology from George Mason University in 2017.

Having been inspired by my own experiences with therapy and mental health, I went back to my alma mater to pursue my master’s degree in counseling, graduating in 2021 with a M.Ed. in Counseling and Development, concentration in Community Agency Counseling (aka Clinical Mental Health Counseling). I worked in an outpatient mental health setting at Family Therapy Center of Northern Virginia while completing my residency, though my counseling experience also includes residential and partial hospitalization programs.

I then became fully licensed in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and received credentialing as Registered Play Therapist (RPT) from the Association for Play Therapy. Now, here we are in the present day and I have my own private practice with Bee You Therapy Center, LLC where I can continue to do the “people-centered” work of helping others.

Current Professional Pursuits

I appreciate the value in being a life-long learner and enjoy challenging myself as a person and growing as a clinician through continuous education (ignore the fact that it’s also a licensing requirement).

The following areas are where my current learning focus is so that I can continue to provide high-quality therapy to those who need it:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

  • Religious Trauma and Adverse Religious Experiences

  • Adoption-competency for supporting adult adoptees

If you’re ready to work together, grow, and heal, let’s connect!