Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Founder of Clear Direction Psychological Services, PLLC
Hello, and welcome. My name is Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) J. Smyth, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of New York and the founder of Clear Direction Psychological Services, PLLC, located in Hauppauge, NY. I specialize in working with adults, young adults, and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. I’m also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with advanced training in evidence-based treatments that support deep emotional healing, lasting change, and meaningful connection.
I bring to this work over 15 years of clinical experience, with 9 years as a licensed psychologist, and a foundation of advanced training that began in 2009. My professional background includes work in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, the criminal justice system, college counseling centers, school systems, and private practice. I’ve provided therapy and psychological evaluations in New York, New Jersey, and Texas, supporting individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
My training has included high-level forensic work at Manhattan Correctional Center, where I conducted evaluations for the Federal Courts, as well as trauma-focused treatment at Big Spring State Hospital in Texas, where I eventually served as Chief Psychologist. After returning home to Long Island in 2016, I worked in a private group practice supporting individuals impacted by workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents.
My Approach to Therapy
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed care. I believe healing begins when we feel safe, seen, and supported — and when we learn to relate to ourselves and others with more awareness, self-compassion, and emotional flexibility.
My work is grounded in the science of how the brain and body respond to stress, trauma, and connection, and I frequently integrate a polyvagal-informed lens to help clients understand their nervous system responses. Whether someone is stuck in fight-or-flight or feeling shut down and disconnected, we work together to build tools that support emotional regulation and create a sense of internal safety.
I am also extensively trained in exposure-based interventions, which I apply thoughtfully and flexibly to support clients facing trauma, anxiety, phobias, OCD-like symptoms, and avoidance-related behaviors. Exposure is never about pushing past your limits — it’s about helping you move toward what matters in a way that feels paced, empowering, and grounded in choice.
I tailor treatment to each client’s needs, drawing from a range of empirically supported therapies, including:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Polyvagal-Informed Therapy
Exposure-Based Interventions for Trauma and Anxiety
Whether you're working through past trauma, navigating a painful relationship dynamic, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or sadness, or simply longing for more clarity and connection in your life, I am here to walk alongside you. My work supports individuals and couples in developing the insight and tools needed to move forward — not just by coping, but by living in alignment with what truly matters to them.
What to Expect
Therapy with me is collaborative, active, and grounded in evidence-based care. I strive to meet you exactly where you are, at your own pace, with warmth, integrity, and curiosity. Together, we’ll create a space where you can feel understood and supported while building practical skills for real-life change.
Let’s Connect
If you’re ready to begin your therapy journey — whether individually or as a couple — I invite you to reach out.
Click the Request Appointment link below to schedule a complimentary 10–15-minute phone consultation, or call me directly at (631) 528-5880 to set up your initial session.
It would be my honor to walk beside you as you take this meaningful step toward healing and growth.
