Business Details
Trauma-Informed Psychological Services in Hauppauge, NY
Clear Direction Psychological Services is a small, specialty practice located on Long Island, New York, founded by Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) J. Smyth, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. Our practice specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship concerns, offering compassionate, trauma-informed care grounded in evidence-based treatments. Dr. Smyth brings expertise from diverse settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, criminal justice systems, and private practice, with advanced training in trauma-focused therapies and a commitment to personalized care.We utilize approaches such as Polyvagal-informed therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based strategies to address individual and couples' needs. Our mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to develop emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and alignment with core values. With a focus on collaboration and client empowerment, we tailor treatment to each individual's unique journey toward healing and growth.
Services
Trauma/PTSD Therapy
Clinical Anger Management
Grief and Loss Counseling
Depression and Anxiety Treatment
Couples Therapy
Telepsychology Services
Exposure Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Highlights and features
- Over 15 years of clinical experience in trauma and mental health treatment
- Specialized in evidence-based trauma treatments including Polyvagal-informed therapy
- Personalized approach addressing root causes of emotional and relationship challenges
- Trauma-informed care emphasizing nervous system regulation and emotional safety
- Telepsychology services available for greater accessibility
Associations and certifications
- Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
Services
Trauma/PTSD Therapy
Specialized trauma-informed care addressing PTSD from childhood abuse, combat exposure, and complex trauma. Utilizes Polyvagal-informed therapy to regulate nervous system responses and evidence-based interventions for lasting healing. Targets traumatic memories and triggers through personalized treatment plans.
Clinical Anger Management
Contextual Anger Regulation Therapy (CART) helps clients understand anger triggers and develop healthier responses. Combines mindfulness and acceptance strategies to transform destructive patterns into constructive emotional regulation while maintaining personal boundaries.
Grief and Loss Counseling
Supports clients through various forms of loss including bereavement, relationship endings, and life transitions. Focuses on developing coping skills while honoring loss, addressing complicated grief patterns, and facilitating emotional processing in a compassionate environment.
Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy address relationship patterns, rebuild trust, and improve communication. Specializes in resolving conflicts around intimacy, infidelity, and life transitions while strengthening emotional connection.
Depression and Anxiety Treatment
Combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Compassion-Focused Therapy to address depression and anxiety. Incorporates polyvagal-informed techniques for nervous system regulation and ACT-based approaches to reconnect clients with personal values and purpose.
People
Elizabeth (Liz) J. Smyth
Founder
Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in trauma treatment. Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with expertise in Polyvagal-informed therapy and evidence-based interventions. Former Chief Psychologist at Big Spring State Hospital in Texas.
Questions
What types of therapy approaches do you use?
We utilize evidence-based approaches including Polyvagal-informed therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based strategies, and Contextual Anger Regulation Therapy tailored to individual client needs.
Do you offer telehealth services?
Yes, we provide telepsychology services for adult individuals and couples, offering flexible access to therapy from any location with internet connectivity.
What is your experience with trauma treatment?
Dr. Smyth has over 15 years of clinical experience, including specialized training in trauma-focused interventions and work with first responders, military personnel, and survivors of complex trauma.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 45-50 minutes, with initial consultations and specific interventions sometimes requiring different durations as needed.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate as an out-of-network provider, offering superbills for potential insurance reimbursement while maintaining full confidentiality and treatment autonomy.
What are your office hours?
Monday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, with alternative scheduling available upon request.
