Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnece Smith.
Johnece, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started at an early age. Around middle school, I began noticing that people naturally came to me to talk about their problems, their lives, and the things they were trying to make sense of. I would listen, reflect, and offer advice or intuitive insight, and it quickly became clear to me that this was something I was meant to do.
At first, I imagined becoming both a psychologist and an accountant — I wanted to understand people, but I also wanted to understand the numbers behind life. In high school, I took every course I could in those areas, and over time I completely fell in love with psychology: understanding the mind, understanding people, and noticing patterns in behavior, relationships, and emotions.
That curiosity guided my academic path as I earned the degrees needed to move forward. My goal was always to study patterns and history — and more importantly, to see how those patterns could be changed or modified so people could gain insight, shift cause and effect, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Working in a hospital setting after completing my training gave me another layer of perspective. I saw firsthand how patterns affect not just behavior, but also the epigenetics of people’s lives — from severe cases to everyday struggles. That deepened my desire to understand how emotional, relational, and generational patterns shape who we become.
Six years ago, I opened my own practice, where I continue to learn from the patterns I see in couples, individuals, and families. I remain deeply curious about people and about life — not only as a profession, but as a person — and that curiosity continues to guide the work I do today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
From the outside, some people might assume the road was smooth for me — or maybe even rough — but the truth is, it’s been a journey. And it truly took a village to get me here.
There were many nights staying up until three in the morning finishing graduate school assignments, then waking up early for work, and heading back to school again late at night. It was a constant balancing act of endurance, commitment, and belief. It wasn’t a smooth path by any means, but it was a meaningful one.
I often say that diamonds go through a lot of pressure before they become diamonds — and I see myself the same way. I’ve been shaped by the challenges, the long hours, the sacrifices, and the personal experiences along the way. All of it has given me depth, resilience, and insight.
Those experiences continue to inform who I am today, both personally and professionally, allowing me to show up as a grounded, compassionate, and supportive presence in the world of psychology.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional counselor in the world of mental health and psychology, working with couples, individuals, and families. My work is rooted in understanding relationships, patterns, and the emotional systems that shape people’s lives. I specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and I deeply enjoy working with diverse populations across different life stages and cultural backgrounds.
What I’m most proud of is the wisdom of the village that has nurtured me along this journey — the mentors, clients, colleagues, and communities that have poured into me and shaped the way I show up in this work. That collective wisdom is something I carry into every session.
What sets me apart is my strong focus on empathy, cultural competency, and proactive problem-solving. My ability to truly listen, understand context, and honor people’s lived experiences allows me to build trust quickly and connect on an authentic level. This foundation helps clients feel seen, safe, and respected — which opens the door to deeper engagement and meaningful breakthroughs.
I take a proactive approach to care, focusing not just on managing symptoms but on creating innovative, personalized solutions. I integrate multiple therapeutic modalities — including trauma-informed care, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and creative interventions — to meet the unique needs of each client. I tailor my approach rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, allowing even highly resistant clients to uncover core beliefs and achieve lasting change.
I am also deeply committed to lifelong learning and growth. I actively seek out new research, training, and certifications so I can bring evidence-based, modern practices into my work and ensure clients receive the most effective care available.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that healing happens in connection — and my role is to create the space where that connection can begin, strengthen, and transform lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing clients reach a point where they can pivot in their lives — when they gain insight, shift old patterns, and begin moving in a healthier direction. Witnessing that moment of clarity and growth is deeply fulfilling for me.
Outside of my work, what also brings me joy is exploring the world for myself — experiencing different cultures, learning new lifestyles, and understanding diverse perspectives and ways of living. That curiosity and appreciation for how people live, love, and connect continues to enrich both my personal life and the work I do as a counselor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kreatingyourpath.com/
- Instagram: Kreating_yourpath
