Meet Alyssa J. Smith, LCSW, PLLC

Hey all, and welcome to my corner of HERStory!

My name is Alyssa, and I live in the always lively Music City- Nashville, Tennessee- with my husband and, our new addition, a baby boy we welcomed in May 2026!

My journey to becoming a private practice owner and clinical therapist began in 2017, when I first started my Master of Social Work degree at Rutgers University (shout out to the Jersey girls!). At the time, I was in the middle of a major career transition- from hospitality management major to hopefully private practice clinician. I had big dreams: to do work that felt meaningful, impactful, and aligned to who I am.

What followed was an eight-year journey full of growth, learning, and exploration across varied clinical settings. Each step brought me closer to understanding the kind of clinician I wanted to be and the practice I wanted to create. And finally, on August 1, 2025, I launched my own private practice.

If I’m honest, I hadn’t planned on it happening when it did. My husband and I were navigating a season of grief and adjusting our plans for 2025. Looking back, I realize that life was quietly making space for the work I feel called to do. I learned to trust the process, to show up consistently, and to take small steps forward. I gave myself one business-related task each month, stayed open to learning, and little by little, it all came together. Before I knew it, I was ready to share the news with colleagues and clients and anxiously step into this new chapter.

Just three weeks after launching, life surprised me again: a positive pregnancy test. Unbeknownst to me, I’d be growing my two “babies” at once! This journey has taught me that growth doesn’t follow a straight line, and sometimes the timing isn’t ours to control. But when we listen, show up, and trust ourselves, beautiful things unfold, sometimes all at once.

Why I started:

To be the person and create the space I once needed. To make a difference. To offer perspective and clarity in a world that can feel overwhelming and confusing. And ultimately, to build a therapeutic space that feels safe- a place that encourages vulnerability, authenticity, and connection.

What I love about being a business owner:

What I love most about being a business owner is the autonomy. I get to decide how I spend my time, structure my schedule, shape my practice policies, and choose how I show up creatively as both a clinician and a human. I love having the freedom to evolve, professionally and personally, and to expand in ways that actually align with who I am, not what I’m “supposed” to do. This flexibility has been especially meaningful as my family grows- allowing me to work fully remotely, in a way that truly supports this season of my life. Most of all, I love that this practice is something I built from my own vision, values, and creativity, and has been shaped into a space that reflects my unique skills, gifts, and the way I care for others.

What type of impact do you hope to have on those you meet and/or who purchase your products?

I hope to be a guiding light (hence the lighthouse!)- someone who helps spark insight, offers new perspective, and supports self-healing and true self-acceptance. I strive to show up as both relatable and compassionate, especially in the messy, in-between parts of life. My hope is that anyone who crosses my path feels seen, safe, and supported and walks away with a deeper trust in themselves and their own process.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom was my first and greatest inspiration as a business owner. I had the privilege of growing up in her hair salon, watching her own and run her business for over 35 years. I witnessed her dedication, loyalty to her clients, and deep passion for her craft firsthand. Knowing she did it before me, learning as she went, gave me the courage and self-trust to take the leap myself. She has always been a constant source of support in my life, and I feel incredibly lucky to call her my mom. There truly is no one like her. I am equally inspired by the people I get to work with. My clients continuously challenge me to grow beyond my own barriers and self-limiting beliefs as a therapist. Their willingness to show up vulnerably and trust me with their stories is something I never take lightly. It is a privilege I deeply honor, and it motivates me to continue showing up as my best, most present self for them.

What is your favorite piece of advice you've ever received or favorite quote?

Gandhi said it best: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I carry this quote with me as both a guide and a source of inspiration- reminding me to continue my own growth and self-evolution, and to model that same growth for others in how I show up each day.

What does BEAUTY mean to you?

To me, beauty is self-acceptance, realness, vulnerability, and showing up wholeheartedly you, without judgement!

What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?

Trust yourself- you are capable of everything you dream of. You always have been, and you always will.

What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?

I’m so excited to be part of this empowering community and to grow, learn, and celebrate alongside all of you. Please know- you are worthy of being seen, heard, and celebrated just as you are, and that’s exactly what makes you beautiful!

Where our community can find you?

Website www.alyssajsmithlcsw.com

Instagram @alyssajsmithlcsw

Email: hello@alyssajsmithlcsw.com