Smith and Associates
Kathy A. Smith, M.A., CFLE

Kathy Smith holds a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology (focusing on family studies), with a minor in Psychology. She has researched many areas of the family, including abuse/violence, has presented the work nationwide, and published articles in textbooks and encyclopedias.

In addition to her private practice, Smith is an adjunct instructor at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, TN, where she teaches courses in Marriage and Family, Victimology, Human Services Administration, Addictions, Industrial & Organizational, Social Problems, Introduction to Sociology, and Introduction to Human Services.

Kathy Smith is a Rule 31 Listed General Civil and Family Mediator, conflict resolution specialist, certified Sociological Practitioner and, certified Family Life Educator.

Specialization in Domestic Violence Mediation.

Counselor

The Concept of counseling has actually been around for ages and it reflects the need for one person to seek out help or advice from another person. Counseling as a professional occupation, therefore, derives not from the clinic but from more social settings. It focuses on helping persons resolve problems or role issues related to work or school or family matters. In this setting, the counselor is a "problem solver" who through direct advice or non-directive guidance helps the client make rational decisions. Some general characteristics of counseling include, but may not be limited to the following:

• It is Concerned with "normal" problems, rather than mental health problems.
• It is concerned with role functioning, with choices to be made, and with actions to be taken.
• It is more concerned with present events than with past events.
• It is more concerned with conscious, rational thinking than with unconscious functioning.

Education

Family life education integrates all areas of interpersonal relationships. As a Counselor Educator, Kathy Smith can provide a wide range of social health services.