Enrique Smith, PhD, LP
Staff
Licensed Psychologist, Cultural Center Liaison
Biography
He|Him|His
If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am cool and laid-back individual who enjoys watching basketball and playing video games in my free time. I enjoy going on runs and am excited to continue to explore ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.
Education
PhD | LP
Hey everyone, my name is EnriqueÌýSmithÌýand I am happy to be working here at UNC! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cornell College in Mt.ÌýVernonÌýIowa. After that I completed my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!). During my time in graduate school, I have worked in university counseling centers, as well as community mental health centers working with a variety of presenting concerns. Throughout my career I have had the distinct pleasure of working with folx at manyÌýdifferent stagesÌýof life with a wide range of multiculturally diverse, intersectional identities. My clinical interest area for years has beenÌýlinkÌýto multicultural concerns within the context of therapy which has led me to my current role as the Cultural Liaison here at UNCO!Ìý
Professional Experience & Affiliations
Current Roles
I first came to UNCO as a doctoral intern in 2021 and since then I have had the amazing opportunity to continue my work here in the roleÌýasÌýthe Cultural Center Liaison and staff Psychologist. I conduct intakes, I hold space for consultation, and IÌýutilizeÌýboth individual and group therapy modalities. I have an opportunity to spend time at theÌýfour raceÌýbased Cultural Centers and connect with our students and offer support for them in those settings in addition to providing services at the Counseling Center.Ìý
Therapeutic & Supervision Approaches
My theoretical Orientation most aligns with Person-Centered Therapy model, whichÌýfocuses on the client’s unique experiences andÌýperceptionsÌýof the world.ÌýI believe that client distressÌýoccursÌýas a result ofÌýsome sort of incongruence that is going on in their lives. Incongruence can be presented in the forms of emotional and/or psychological distress that can occur in any aspect of the client’s life andÌýperceptionsÌýof their experiences.ÌýI believe that changeÌýoccursÌýas a result ofÌýexploration within the therapeutic alliance, and that clientsÌýare in charge ofÌýtheirÌýcapacityÌýto change.ÌýFinally, I believe that we as therapists work as a catalyst to help them understand and process their feelings and thoughts in order to achieve growth.ÌýMy approach to supervision aligns most closely with Bernard’s Discrimination Model which emphasizes three supervision foci around intervention, conceptualization, and personalization. This model also lends to the supervisor being able to take on threeÌýdifferent rolesÌýaround teacher, counselor, and consultant based on what is needed in each individual supervision session.Ìý
Clinical Interests
- Multicultural Concerns
- Power and Oppression concerns
- Self-care and Wellness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Identity Development
- Supervision
- Adjustment concerns
- Family of origin concerns
- Trauma
- Interpersonal/Relationship Concerns