Take a step toward healing with trauma informed care.

Dr. Joseph Smetter | Clinical Psychologist

If you’ve found your way here, you or someone close to you might be thinking about starting therapy. Maybe you’re feeling stressed, off-track, or trying to move forward from something painful. Or maybe you’re just ready to talk—to get some clarity about what’s going on and what might help.

This site will give you a sense of who I am, how I approach therapy, and how I help people—especially those recovering from trauma—using methods that are backed by clinical research. Whatever brought you here, I hope you find something that helps you take the next step.

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Learn more about me

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Therapy that works.

Healing starts with choosing an approach that’s effective. I provide treatment that’s evidence-based and tailored to your needs—offering structure, support, and strategies that help you make meaningful progress.

→ Learn more about what to expect from therapy.

✙ Help for helpers.

Frontline professions come with unique challenges. I work with healthcare professionals, first responders, and others in roles where stress and trauma are part of the job. You spend your days helping and protecting others—your well-being deserves attention, too.

→ Learn more about therapy for frontline workers.

What are your concerns?

Trauma & PTSD

“I’ve tried to move on, but my past keeps getting in the way.”
“I keep reliving things I wish I could forget.”
Anxiety & worry

“I’m constantly bracing for something to go wrong.”
“I can’t get myself to relax.”
Depression & mood

“I feel numb—like I’m just going through the motions.”
“Everything feels heavy, even the things I used to really enjoy.”
Self-esteem & identity

“I always second guess myself.”
“Part of me believes I’ll never be good enough.”
"I don’t even know what’s important to me anymore.”
Life transitions

“I thought this change would feel exciting—but I just feel overwhelmed.”
“I’m not sure what’s next, and that scares me.”
Relationships & Boundaries

“I keep ending up in the same unhealthy patterns.”
“I feel like I give too much without getting anything in return.”
“I have a hard time saying no.”
Anger & irritability

“It’s like everything irritates me lately—I don’t even know why.”
“I snap at people I care about, and I hate how that feels.”
“I need to get my temper under control.”
Grief & loss

“It feels like everyone else has moved on—but I haven’t.”
“Things are so different now, I’m trying to figure out my new ‘normal’.”
Work stress & burnout

“I used to care about my work—now I just want to get through the day.”
“I keep waiting for things to slow down so I can take care of myself, but they never do.”
Sleep Difficulties

“I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time.”
“It’s like my brain just won’t let me rest—and it’s catching up to me.”
Frontline Workers

“I try not to bring my work home with me, but I know it’s affecting my personal life.”
“I used to be able to just shrug things off and keep moving, but it’s getting harder to do that.”

Explore Therapy Topics

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Telehealth sessions using a secure video platform. Flexible options to fit your busy life.
PSYPACT certified to practice in over 40 states.
Licensed in IL and WI, with insurance payment options coming soon
Out of network support and limited sliding scale rates available.