Dr. Lisa Anyan Smith, Licensed Psychologist

09/02/2026

In our society dominated by curated highlights and filtered realities, we face an invisible epidemic: the exhausting pressure to appear perfect. From social media feeds to workplace performance, vulnerability is frequently misconstrued as weakness, and emotional damage is treated as a personal failure. This obsession with a flawless exterior forces many individuals to internalize their struggles, burying their anxiety, depression, and trauma out of sight. Read more: https://karunacounseling.com/kintsugi-and-the-art-of-healing/

07/29/2026

July is almost over, but Disability Pride Month deserves one more moment in the spotlight before it wraps up. Read our latest blog post: www.karunacounseling.com/on-our-minds/

06/19/2026

As we observe Men’s Mental Health Awareness this June, we acknowledge that while significant strides have been made in mental health in general, there continues to be a silent mental health crisis among men and boys in America.

02/11/2026

We at Karuna Counseling mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Micky O’Leary. Micky joined Karuna in 1998, and retired in 2016. Over the years, she provided comfort and healing to so many in her care, with great wisdom, deep compassion, and an extraordinary sense of humor. This world is a better place because of Micky. Obituary: https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/michal-oleary

02/03/2026

Does it seem like every day brings a news headline or social media post that makes you feel overwhelmed or anxious? If so, you’re not alone. Just hearing and seeing what is going on in the world can have a direct effect on your mental health. Read our latest blog. https://www.karunacounseling.com/protect-your-mental-health-from-stressful-news-media/

12/11/2025

A timely reminder about managing grief around the holidays, written by my colleague Valarie Smith, LCSW.

Managing grief and loss of a loved one during the holiday season can be painful, especially when the world around you seems focused on celebration, connection, and joy. Here are some gentle, practical ways to support yourself (or someone you love) through this emotionally complex time. Read our latest blog post on our website. https://www.karunacounseling.com/grief-during-the-holiday-season/

07/29/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by anger? Mindfulness can help you manage it. Recognize triggers, breathe deeply, & explore the emotion with curiosity. Anger is a messenger—not the enemy. Learn strategies to cool the flames in Karuna Counseling’s blog. 🔗 https://www.karunacounseling.com/cooling-the-flames-of-anger/

07/01/2025

At Karuna, we recognize the unique challenges faced by transgender people. Recent legal rulings are creating a society where acceptance and safety can feel increasingly out of reach for transgender individuals. Karuna knows that the journey of self-discovery and authenticity is deeply courageous—a...

03/16/2025

We are alive in arguably super-hard times. Hard in big ways for many of us. Plus all the small and regular-sized hards we often have. But that doesn’t mean we are obligated to struggle or bear witness to suffering (our own or others’) 24/7.

02/04/2025

A good night’s sleep is closely tied to physical and mental health. Proper sleep is shown to improve attention and concentration, assist in converting short term memories to long term memories, keep your heart healthy and immune system strong, reduce stress responses, and improve mood.