Name: Grace Smith
What is your title? What do you do at Rung?
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) I work with members to support them in improving their mental health.
What do you like most about working at Rung?
I love being able to offer therapy for free to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access services.
What has been your favorite project to work on?
I recently tried growing a 3 sisters garden for the first time!
Who are your personal sheroes, women you look up to?
I know it’s cliche, but I really look up to my mom who was also an LPC. She and I earned the same degree, but she did it with 3 kids! I still can’t wrap my mind around how she did that. I sometimes hear my mom’s voice coming out of my mouth when working with my clients. She has given me so much wisdom over the years and taught me to be gentle with my emotions. I hope to provide that same guidance to my clients.
How have you grown since working at Rung?
I started working at Rung right out of graduate school. I really learned who I am as a therapist and how to hold space for big emotions without rushing my clients to “get over it” or reach for a simple solution because I’m uncomfortable. I’ve learned that being a good therapist sometimes means letting go of trying to be good and just being present instead.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to knit, do yoga, garden, thrift, and watch reality TV with my husband
What book, podcast, artist, or playlist are you currently into?
I have recently been enjoying the novels of Sophie Mackintosh. She writes beautifully on topics of family, gender, and grief.