- Client-centered
- Goal focused
- LMHC
About Cortney
Cortney (Bota) Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who centers sessions on the person in front of her. She writes plainly and listens first. Cortney focuses on what a person wants to change and works alongside them to reach those goals.
She has 11 years of experience in mental health settings. Much of that work took place in community clinics where she met with adults for in-person therapy. For several years she has also offered online therapy and has supported people through a wide range of concerns, from everyday stress to more complex mood and trauma-related issues.
Cortney uses Client-Centered Therapy to build a respectful, nonjudgmental space. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused approaches to help people identify patterns and try practical changes. Motivational Interviewing is part of her toolkit when clients are weighing a change or trying to build new habits.
Her practice addresses stress, anxiety, anger, bipolar symptoms, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting topics, self-esteem, career matters, and coping with life changes. She aims to help people come to their own conclusions and make steps that fit their lives.
Available hours are set during weekday mornings and early afternoons in Eastern Time, with occasional evening appointments when possible. Prospective clients in New York can follow the site's process to start a match and schedule sessions.
How Cortney uses practical approaches in online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's needs without judgment. This approach helps people feel heard and supports them in identifying their own goals and solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact; it helps with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and patterns that get in the way of daily functioning. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style used when someone is unsure about making a change; it helps clarify reasons for change and strengthens motivation.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Then they will try methods that fit the individual's situation and adjust the plan as progress is made.
The therapist's past work has included both in-person and online sessions, though current session formats should be confirmed before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, cut commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a person's schedule. Ask about available session options when you start the matching process so you can pick times and a format that work for you.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
The practice covers a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, anger, bipolar and depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting, self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.
What is the therapeutic style and approach like?
The approach is person centered and collaborative. Cortney also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help people try practical changes and set achievable goals.
How long has this therapist been practicing?
She has 11 years of experience working as a mental health therapist, with time spent in community clinics and providing both in-person and online therapy.
Where is the therapist based and what credential do they hold?
The clinician is based in New York and holds the credential LMHC, specifically noted as NY LMHC.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the country work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.