Smith Tilka

At the intersection of mind, body, and spirit lies the holistic approach of Smith M. Tilka, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Nationally Certified Counselor. With a deep understanding that our past experiences shape our present, Tilka specializes in psychodynamic and existential psychotherapy, offering a unique blend of healing modalities to address the complex tapestry of human experience.

Tilka's practice is built on the foundation that we are all inherently curious, courageous, compassionate, and confident beings. However, she recognizes that life's challenges can often obscure these core qualities. Since 2011, Tilka has been dedicated to helping individuals, groups, families, and couples navigate the complexities of their inner worlds and interpersonal relationships. Her expertise spans a wide range of areas, including addictions, traumas, eating disorders, women's issues, and various life transition challenges.

With an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment, Tilka offers a comprehensive suite of services including experiential healing, motivational training, self-regulation training, and psycho-education. Her therapeutic toolkit is extensive, addressing issues such as post-traumatic stress disorders, family of origin and ACOA issues, codependency, sexual and identity concerns, grief and loss, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. Tilka's practice is not just about alleviating symptoms; it's about fostering deep, lasting change through awareness, acceptance, and action.

Tilka's educational background includes a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University (2020) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee (2017). She is also trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), adding another dimension to her holistic approach.

In Tilka's view, therapy is a collaborative journey of self-discovery and growth. She creates a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where clients can begin to heal, empowering them to uncover their potential and lead lives worth celebrating. Whether working with clients in person, by phone, or through telehealth services from her office in Downtown Sarasota, Tilka is committed to fostering transformative therapeutic relationships that lead to profound personal growth and well-being.