Contact Information

Lori Smestad

MSE, APSW In Training

Lori Smestad provides counseling support to adolescents, adults, and families, with a focus on social-emotional development, anxiety, life transitions, and resilience-building. She is committed to helping individuals deepen self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and develop greater confidence in navigating life’s challenges. Lori strives to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered to make meaningful and lasting changes.

Her work is grounded in the belief that every individual possesses inherent strengths and the capacity for growth when provided with compassionate support and guidance. Lori takes a client-centered, strengths-based approach to therapy, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and authentic connection. She believes that meaningful progress occurs when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected, and she works to meet each person where they are while supporting movement toward goals in a way that feels both sustainable and personally meaningful.

Lori incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her clinical work, helping clients better understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through this approach, clients are supported in developing practical tools and strategies that promote healthier patterns, emotional regulation, and positive change in everyday life.

She has a particular interest in social-emotional learning, anxiety management, and supporting individuals through significant life transitions. Drawing from her background in school counseling and her ongoing work toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Lori approaches mental health from both a developmental and holistic perspective. She recognizes the important role that relationships, environmental factors, and overall well-being play in emotional health and personal growth.

Lori currently serves as a school counselor at McKinley, where she works closely with students, families, educators, and support staff to foster emotional wellness, academic success, and healthy social development. Her experience within the school setting has strengthened her understanding of the unique challenges children and adolescents face and has further deepened her passion for supporting youth and families through compassionate, relationship-centered care.

As an in-training practitioner, Lori provides services under the supervision of Dr. Carey Sorenson. She is excited to continue expanding her clinical experience while seeing clients at Be. as she furthers her professional training and development. Lori values the opportunity to learn within a collaborative and supportive clinical environment while continuing to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care to the individuals and families she serves.

For her Be. Lori chose Be. Gentle as a reminder to approach oneself with the same kindness, compassion, and unconditional acceptance you strive to offer others. Lori deeply feels that the way we speak to ourselves matters. Our inner dialogue should reflect the respect, grace, and understanding we hope to receive from those around us. BEing gentle with ourselves creates space for healing, growth, and authentic self acceptance. 

Outside of her professional role, Lori enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and maintaining a strong sense of balance and connection in her own life. These values help her remain grounded, present, and fully engaged in the work she does with clients and families.