From Struggles to a Call of Service: A Journey of Transformation

I was born in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana; my path took an unexpected turn at age 20 when I left to escape personal challenges and a difficult home situation. The U.S. Navy became my new direction, taking me from basic training in Orlando, A-school in San Diego, Ca. and then to the picturesque shores of Newport, Rhode Island. However, my military journey was cut short as I confronted the reality of alcoholism—a disease, not a moral failing, that impacts not only those who struggle with it but everyone in their orbit.

Through divine grace and compassionate human support, I found recovery and embarked on the profound inner work that transformed my life. In early sobriety, I discovered the healing power of meditation, beginning with simple breath awareness that gradually deepened into a sustained practice of presence and mindful awareness. This contemplative foundation became the bedrock of my recovery, teaching me to inhabit each moment fully rather than fleeing into the past or future.

Long before I pursued formal professional training in therapeutic models, I was naturally drawn to exploring various healing modalities—from group therapy and 12-step work to somatic approaches and mindfulness-based interventions. These experiences as both participant and observer gave me an intuitive understanding of what creates genuine transformation: the courage to be present with what is, combined with the wisdom of compassionate witness.

My personal struggles and subsequent growth inspired me to pursue formal education and dedicate myself to helping others navigate their own journeys of healing, discovery and transformation. Today, with thirty-eight years of continuous sobriety, and an authentic joy and satisfaction with the person I have become, I approach each day with radical gratitude for this extraordinary second chance. My daily meditation and spiritual practice continues to deepen my capacity for presence, allowing me to show up authentically for both my own continued growth and for those I’m privileged to serve.

My Educational Foundation

My academic journey reflects my deep commitment to understanding human relationships and social justice. I earned my Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy with a Social Justice concentration from Antioch University New England, building upon my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master of Divinity from Harvard University. This unique combination of clinical training and theological study provides me with a holistic perspective on healing and human connection.

My Therapeutic Philosophy

What distinguishes my approach is a fundamental rejection of pathology-based thinking. I don’t view the people I work with as broken or deficient. Instead of relying solely on clinical diagnoses to explain life’s challenges—whether you’re facing discrimination, carrying unresolved trauma, navigating relationship/marriage/family difficulties, existential fatigue or processing loss—I collaborate with you to discover and create meaningful pathways toward healing and personal growth.

The Heart of Healing

Over three decades of working in the mental health profession has reinforced a simple yet profound truth: most people fundamentally need to be seen, heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. These basic human needs form the foundation of all therapeutic work. When we feel truly witnessed in our experiences, transformation becomes possible.

Embracing Your Capacity for Change

I hold an unwavering belief in every person’s inherent capacity for change and growth. Pain, while difficult, often serves as a signal that we’re ready to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace new possibilities. It’s not something to be eliminated at all costs, but rather understood as a guide pointing us toward what needs attention in our lives.

The Courage to Seek Support

Whatever challenges have brought you to consider therapy, I want you to remember this: reaching out for support demonstrates strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge when we need help and wisdom to seek it. This step itself is part of your healing journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside you as you discover your own path forward.

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Credentials

Paula M. Smith is a Clinical member of the American Association of Marriage Family Therapy, American Psychological Association, Association of Pastoral Counselors, Rhode Island Association of  Marriage and Family Therapist, clinical member of IMAGO Relationship North America, Spiritual Directors International and member of the Harvard Alumni Association. She is the co-author of the article Marriage & Family Therapy Training Programs and Their Integration of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Identities published in the Journal of Feminist Family Therapy and Post Katrina Theology published in Harvard Divinity Magazine.

Dissertation Title: “Black Marriage, Attachment and Connecting in Relationships: An Observational Multi-Method Study Investigating the Effects of the Getting the Love You Want Workshop on Black Couples’ In-Session Attachment, Interactions, Marital Satisfaction and Communication.” Click here to download: https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/959/

Dr. Paula Smith is in private practice. Her office is located at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, Rhode Island where she offers private intensive retreats for couples (one-couple one therapist), couples therapy, group therapy for men and women, family therapy, spiritual direction, workshops for couples and relationship therapy for single individuals. Contact: 401-782-7822 or email: dr.paulamsmith@gmail.com