Dermott Smith

therapist

Dermott Smith (she/they), LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2023. She began her career as a service coordinator at a drop-in center for people experiencing homelessness and has since worked with adolescents, college students, and adults across a variety of clinical settings.

Dermott’s training includes school-based therapy, college counseling, childhood trauma assessment, harm reduction for substance use, and psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration. She works well with clients navigating identity development, attachment patterns, religious trauma, anxiety, ENM/poly relationships, boundary setting, and self-care skill building.

Her approach is grounded in non-judgment, compassion, and curiosity. Dermott believes that many symptoms—like anxiety, depression, and burnout—are rooted in relational stress and disconnection. In therapy, she integrates mindfulness, humor, and body awareness to help clients build self-compassion, strengthen boundaries, process grief (including sociopolitical stress), and reconnect with community. She prioritizes creating a space where honest feedback and collaborative goal-setting feel safe and supported.

Outside of therapy, Dermott feels most grounded biking, dancing in Chicago’s queer nightlife scene, reading music blogs, and connecting with friends. If you ask what music she’s been listening to lately, she’ll gladly share an in-depth review.

You can reach Dermott via email at dermott@headhearttherapy.com