Meiline M. Smith, LMFT

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep passion for working with couples and families who are grieving the loss of loved ones. My goal is to help people navigate their journeys to experience life full of joy and thrive rather than merely survive. I bring enthusiasm to therapy and am known for my direct approach, which helps clients get to the heart of the issue without beating around the bush.

In addition to my work with grief, couples, and trauma, I specialize in Post-Divorce & Divorce Recovery Counseling and Women’s Midlife Mental Health, supporting women through perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, identity changes, relationship transitions, and the emotional challenges that often accompany these significant life stages. I provide evidence-based, compassionate care that helps clients heal, regain confidence, and build meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Over the years, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, including those dealing with forensics, grief, couples issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, Worker’s Compensation injuries, and a variety of other associated mental health concerns. I have completed nearly 5500 hours of couples work, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of relationship dynamics.

My professional experience includes working in large agencies such as Community Health Resources, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Department of Children and Families. I have spent nearly 17 years working in various psychiatric hospitals for children and adults, where I gained extensive experience in handling complex cases.

My educational background includes a Master’s degree in Management, Leadership, and Organization from Springfield College and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. Additionally, I have earned several certifications to enhance my practice:

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

In 2019, I founded Phoenix Mental Health Solutions, which has been steadily growing. In 2023, I co-founded Arts for Healing. I have developed a unique style of therapy called Action Therapy for Couples, which ensures clients see progress from their current state within the first 30 days.

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Founder of Phoenix Mental Health Solutions (2019)
• Co-founder of Arts for Healing (2023)
• Developed Action Therapy for Couples
• Nearly 17 years of experience in psychiatric hospitals
• Assisted in teaching at Connecticut State University

Post-Divorce & Divorce Recovery Counseling

Divorce is one of life’s most significant transitions, often bringing grief, identity changes, relationship trauma, and uncertainty about the future. I help individuals navigate the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges of divorce with compassion and evidence-based care. Together, we work to heal from betrayal, rebuild confidence, strengthen co-parenting relationships, process grief, and create a healthy vision for the next chapter of life.

I help clients with:

• Grief and ambiguous loss
• Anxiety and depression after divorce
• Infidelity and betrayal trauma
• Co-parenting and custody stress
• Identity reconstruction
• Rebuilding confidence
• Dating after divorce
• Creating a meaningful future

Approaches include:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Grief Counseling
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Care

Women’s Midlife Mental Health

Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause can bring emotional changes that affect every aspect of a woman’s life. I specialize in helping women understand these transitions while addressing anxiety, depression, identity changes, relationship challenges, caregiver stress, career transitions, grief, and emotional well-being.

I support women experiencing:

• Perimenopause
• Menopause
• Postmenopause
• Anxiety and depression
• Brain fog
• Sleep disturbances
• Empty nest transitions
• Divorce
• Caregiver stress
• Career burnout
• Relationship concerns
• Self-esteem and confidence

Treatment is individualized using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, IFS, EFT, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, psychoeducation, and collaboration with medical providers when appropriate.

My passion is helping individuals, couples, and families heal through life’s most difficult transitions. Whether someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, rebuilding after divorce, navigating the emotional challenges of midlife and menopause, healing from trauma, or strengthening their relationships, I strive to provide a compassionate, supportive, and results-oriented environment where lasting change is possible. I am especially committed to creating safe spaces for communities of color to heal, grow, and rediscover hope. Through my direct and enthusiastic approach, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those I work with, helping them to thrive and achieve their full potential.