GET TO KNOW YOUR THERAPIST

John (Jack) Smith-Moore

John (Jack) Smith-Moore, MSW, LCSW

THERAPY IS A PLACE TO DISCOVER YOURSELF AND GROW AS A PERSON.


SPECIALTIES

LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
COUPLES & NON-TRADITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
SEPARATION/DIVORCE
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
SEVERE ANXIETY & OCD

Lincoln Park Therapy Group | Chicago

WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST

I believe that our mind is a fascinating thing and I love to explore with clients how we develop, grow, and identify the barriers that prevent us from meeting our goals. I honor my clients’ lived experiences and appreciate the ability to build a meaningful professional relationship where we can trust each other in processing the pain, struggle, joy, humor, and everything in between that comes with living.

I BECAME A THERAPIST TO GUIDE PEOPLE TOWARD POSITIVE CHANGE AND GROWTH.

I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON YOUR LIFE AND WILL USE A COLLABORATIVE AND STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH IN OUR WORK TOGETHER. I WILL SUPPORT YOU IN UNCOVERING YOUR INNATE STRENGTHS AND WORKING TOWARDS ANY GOALS YOU MAY HAVE.

In our work together, I will support you to gain self-awareness to identify challenges and to live a more joyful and meaningful life. We will identify any barriers that keep you from authentically engaging in your relationships and the world around you.  Through acceptance and trust, we will develop a comfortable and safe therapeutic relationship for you to fully engage in our work together.

 

When I work with clients, I incorporate THREE THINGS to create positive change:

trust | lived experience | support

When working with clients, I focus on cultivating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental relationship in which clients feel safe and empowered. Creating a trusting therapeutic relationship helps me to better see who you are and who you want to be, more thoroughly understand the challenges that you face, and help facilitate change that will be both meaningful and enduring in your life.

 
 

WHO I WORK WITH

I work with individuals experiencing severe anxiety, including OCD, depression and other mood disorders, and major life changes. I specialize in individuals and couples in the LGBTQ+ community, including folks in open and poly/polycule relationships.

My area of expertise is helping people in non-traditional relationships find happiness.

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WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THERAPY?

If you are just starting out in therapy – or you have been to therapy before but are struggling with how to use the time; this is TOTALLY normal, and expected! I encourage my clients to tell me when they aren’t sure how to use our time together. Therapists are trained in guiding sessions and are prepared to assist you in exploring how to best use your time while in therapy.
Kirsten Hall, LPC | Lincoln Park Therapy Group

A LITTLE ABOUT ME & MY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS 

  • I completed my Masters in Social Work from Catholic University of America.
  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
  • I have completed a 27.5 hour Living Brave course by Dr. Brené Brown focusing on Vulnerability, Courage, Shame, and Empathy.
  • I have training and experience using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Relational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT).
     
“So by all means, have your beliefs – but hold them lightly. Keep in mind that all beliefs are stories, whether or not they’re ‘true.'” – Russ Harris, MD, PhD
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Loves rowing

Chicago native

Loves to travel and explore other cities

DO YOU WISH YOU WERE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE CHALLENGING SITUATIONS? DO YOU WANT TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS?

I would be honored to partner with you and help you discover the tools that can help make life more manageable. Together, we will find ways for you to meet your goals and increase your happiness and life satisfaction.
We are offering a hybrid of in person + teletherapy sessions using a HIPAA compliant secure video and phone platform.
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