What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Luke is by far the most talented therapist I've ever had. His kindness and his direct approach really helped me open up.”
ODLess than 3 months ago
“Luke is such a compassionate and empathetic listener. I feel so safe and supported in our sessions. Highly recommend!”
TCLess than 3 months ago
About Luke Smithers
Focus areas
Childhood Trauma
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Stress
Couples Therapy
Relationship Struggles
Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Somatic Therapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
AEDP
Emotionally Focused
Attachment-based
Experiential Therapy
EMDR
Gestalt
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Luke Smithers
Please note that I am an out-of-network provider with all insurances. I can provide you with a superbill to help you obtain reimbursement from your insurance company and am happy to walk you through the reimbursement process so that our sessions are covered by your insurance.
As a psychotherapist, I am committed to helping individuals reconnect with their inner peace and joy. With training from the IFS Institute and studies in spiritual care at Yale University, I specialize in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a compassionate approach to healing that embraces all parts of the self. My clinical experience includes training at Lenox Hill Hospital, where I focused on contemplative care and trauma-informed practices. I support clients through various challenges, including LGBTQ+ issues, identity exploration, and men’s issues, offering both in-person and virtual sessions tailored to individual needs. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space for healing and growth, working collaboratively with clients to foster deeper self-understanding and transformation.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My aim is to create a sense of trust and safety that allows you to access parts of yourself that you might ordinarily push down or shut out. I believe healing occurs when we explore our inner lives. While sharing these thoughts and emotions can be healing on its own, my goal is to go deeper, helping you transform how you relate to these different aspects of yourself. It’s a privilege to witness clients uncover compassion for themselves, which gradually brings their systems back into balance.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In an Internal Family Systems (IFS) session, we focus on creating a deep, experiential process where you connect with different parts of yourself. We engage in a somatic approach, paying close attention to bodily sensations and emotions as guides to uncover underlying feelings and beliefs. This process is about exploring and understanding your inner world with curiosity and compassion. By staying present with these sensations and experiences, we aim to foster healing and integration, allowing you to feel more grounded and whole
Luke Smithers, LMSW is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- New York University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
- Yale University, Master's in Religious Studies
NPI number
1184401523
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
11 reviews
Most relevant
Luke is by far the most talented therapist I've ever had. His kindness and his direct approach really helped me open up.
Less than 3 months agoOD
Luke is such a compassionate and empathetic listener. I feel so safe and supported in our sessions. Highly recommend!
Less than 3 months agoTC
I have a really great experience with Luke. He is warm, thoughtful and easy to connect to.
Less than 3 months agoAD
Good listener
Clear direction and plan of action
Made me comfortable to share my feelings and thoughts
February 7, 2025Michael C.Verified patient
Luke is a fantastic therapist whose insights I will carry with me for a very long time. With him, I got deeper into understanding myself than I had after several different therapists over the course of many years. Sessions were at times emotional, but I always left feeling a renewed sense of motivation that a better way of being was possible. I would recommend him to anyone.
Less than 6 months agoTE
Working with Luke has been the most meaningful change in my life this past year. His demeanor is consistently kind, thoughtful, and attentive, and the gentle yet sturdy container he creates gives me the safety to explore every part of myself. It’s not always easy to bring light to painful experiences, but I trust Luke to guide me through them with compassion. I often leave sessions with a sense of expansiveness, as if I’ve set down something heavy that I have been carrying for a very long time.
Beyond helping me navigate pain, Luke has a remarkable ability to notice and nurture moments of calm, acceptance, pride, confidence, and joy. He encourages me to explore how those emotions feel in my body and to practice holding onto them. It has been profoundly healing to rediscover what it’s like to genuinely feel good.
I’m sincerely grateful for Luke’s depth, presence, and support. He always meets me exactly where I am, and I look forward to continued exploration and growth together.
Less than 1 year agoEM
My time with Luke as my therapist was nothing but incredible. I was nervous at first but his calm energy and presence helped me relax. I was able to open up and dig deep to heal trauma that had been affecting my life for years. He helped me feel safe, supported and guided through my therapy journey. I am so glad I was able to work with Luke. I would highly recommend and think he is wonderful!
Less than 1 year agoSC
Luke is a warm, attentive, and deeply thoughtful therapist. He brings clarity and compassion to his work, helping clients feel supported as they navigate life’s challenges. His presence is steady and genuine, and his approach encourages meaningful insight and growth.
Less than 1 year agoNC
Luke is an exceptional therapist. He is supportive, insightful, patient, and attentive. As a gay man, I feel seen and understood in Luke’s presence.
Under Luke’s care, I learned how to slow down and actually feel what would be coming up during sessions. I discovered that much of my anxiety resulted from a struggle to connect with my emotional self. Luke facilitated this connection, and now I feel more in touch with my feelings and with others. I am able to open my heart to the world in new and powerful ways.
Therapy with Luke is not just treatment: it is enriching soul-work that has transformed my vision of the good life.
Less than 1 year agoMB
Working with Luke has been a truly transformative experience. From the beginning, I felt deeply seen and understood in a way I hadn’t experienced before in therapy. His calm, grounding presence helped me feel safe enough to open up, even about things I’ve held in for years.
Luke brings a unique blend of somatic and relational work to each session. He gently guides you into your body and emotions, helping you make contact with parts of yourself that might feel stuck, shut down, or overwhelmed. His approach—drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)—feels both artful and deeply attuned. Rather than just talking through problems, Luke helps you feel your way through them with compassion, curiosity, and care.
If you’re looking for a therapist who brings both heart and clinical depth, and who can hold space for complex emotional experiences in a warm and attuned way, I can’t recommend Luke enough.
Less than 1 year agoTH
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
How soon can I make an appointment with Luke Smithers?
Generally, Luke Smithers has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Luke Smithers's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Luke Smithers accepting new patients?
Luke Smithers generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Luke Smithers's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Luke Smithers accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Luke Smithers is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Luke Smithers online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Luke Smithers using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Luke Smithers work with?
Luke Smithers works with Downtown Somatic Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Luke Smithers?
Luke Smithers frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Luke Smithers on their profile.
What languages does Luke Smithers speak?
Luke Smithers speaks English.
How do patients rate Luke Smithers in reviews?
11 patients have reviewed Luke Smithers. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.