At a glance
- Credentials
- LMHC
- License
- LMHC, New York / 007249
- NPI
- 1235574344
- Experience
- 11 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- New York
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Person-centered approach
- Practical problem solving
- Motivational interviewing
About Cortney
Cortney (Bota) Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who uses a person-centered approach to help people move toward their goals. She emphasizes listening first and tailoring each plan to what the client says they need. Her style is straightforward and focused on practical change.
Cortney has 11 years of experience working in community clinics and with adult clients. Much of her earlier work was face-to-face therapy. Over the past several years she has provided therapy online as well. Her background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and 1,000 clinical hours completed during internship placements.
In sessions she combines Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She helps people clarify what matters most, test small changes, and build habits that support steady progress. Sessions are aimed at practical steps rather than long explanations.
Cortney works with a wide range of concerns. These include stress, anxiety, anger, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, parenting stress, self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.
Her approach is collaborative: she guides and encourages while clients make decisions and try new behaviors. She notes typical office hours and will try to accommodate occasional evening appointments when needed.
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How approaches like motivational interviewing and CBT work online
Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people resolve mixed feelings and find their own reasons to change. Online sessions use reflective listening and open questions to build motivation and plan small steps forward.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In remote sessions clients learn to notice unhelpful thought patterns and practice different behaviors or coping skills between meetings.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the client's priorities. This lets people set the pace and topics for each session, whether they want to problem-solve or simply be heard.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose which methods fit best based on goals, needs, and preferences. That process may include trying a technique for a few sessions to see what helps most.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Because session formats can vary, confirm current options before booking so you know whether video, phone, or other formats are available. The focus remains on practical steps clients can use between sessions to support lasting change. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyExperience
11+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?
Common topics include stress, anxiety, anger, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe the therapy style?
Sessions start from a person-centered stance where the therapist listens and follows the client's lead. Cortney also uses solution-focused techniques, CBT methods, and motivational interviewing to help people set goals and try practical changes.
What experience does the therapist bring?
She has 11 years of clinical experience, with a history of work in community clinics and extensive time providing online therapy. Her training included a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and 1,000 internship clinical hours.
Where is the therapist licensed and located?
The therapist holds a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential and practices from New York.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography describes both face-to-face clinic work and recent online therapy experience; please confirm current session options before booking to ensure the format you prefer is available.
How are fees and billing handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers