The Real Malee Smith
Growing up in Father Panik Village and PT Barnum housing projects in Bridgeport, CT, I didn’t see healthy relationships. I didn’t see thriving families. What I did see were women who belittled themselves to stay in relationships with men who didn’t value them, and men who failed to honor and protect their families. I saw people struggling with untreated mental health issues, generational trauma, and systemic barriers that kept them stuck.
But when I turned on the TV, I saw something different. Shows like The Cosby Show and Who’s the Boss showed families who were supportive, stable, and loving. They made me crave something I had never witnessed in real life—a family dynamic built on love, respect, and emotional safety. That deep desire to break cycles and create something different is what led me to become a therapist and coach—because if I could change my life’s trajectory, I knew I could help others do the same.
I come from a family of caregivers. My mother was a nurse’s aide and a licensed cosmetologist, my aunt was a police officer, and most of the women in my family worked in direct care. Service was all I knew. But my career in mental health started in a deeply personal way—I began working at a group home where I had once lived as a child. That experience shaped me. I saw firsthand how unresolved trauma, lack of resources, and broken support systems kept people stuck. It fueled my passion to go beyond direct care and create real change.
I excelled in college, dedicating my studies to researching underserved communities and how systemic issues impacted everything from children’s healthcare to school behavior. That research pushed me deeper into advocacy and mental health. I went on to earn a Master’s in Nonprofit and Organizational Leadership, and while completing that degree, I worked as a Forensic Treatment Specialist at a psychiatric hospital. That experience opened my eyes even further—I saw firsthand how much communities of color needed more therapists who looked like them, who understood their struggles, and who could provide culturally competent care.
So, I went back for another master’s degree, this time in Marriage and Family Therapy, because I knew that for Black families—for all families—healing doesn’t just happen in individuals, it happens in relationships. From the historical destruction of Black families during slavery to the systemic breakdown of families today, I knew that we needed real tools and strategies to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive.
I’ve worked in the mental health field since I was 18 years old, serving in roles from direct care to Director of Clinical Services, and now, I’m the owner of a private practice that serves inner-city and middle-class individuals and families, providing them with the support they deserve.
For many people of color, seeing a therapist who doesn’t understand their lived experience is a barrier to healing.Even with the best intentions, many white therapists struggle to grasp the deep-rooted impact of systemic racism, generational trauma, and the unspoken cultural struggles we face. It’s not about dismissing their efforts—it’s about the power of shared language and experience.
Imagine being in a foreign country where no one speaks your language. You’re lost, frustrated, and struggling to express yourself. Then, out of nowhere, you hear someone speaking your native language. The relief, the instant connection, the understanding—that’s what culturally competent therapy feels like.
That’s why I do this work.
I want women and couples to know that they can have the love, the life, and the success they truly want. You don’t need outside validation. You don’t have to stay stuck in cycles of pain. You have the power to change—and I’m here to help you make it happen.
I believe in living authentically, embracing your truth, and pursuing your goals—fearlessly or with fear, but still moving forward. If you’re ready to do the work, I’m here to walk this journey with you.
Have questions or want to work together? Whether you're seeking therapy, 1:1 coaching, collaborations, or just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Mon | By Appointment | |
Tue | By Appointment | |
Wed | By Appointment | |
Thu | By Appointment | |
Fri | Closed | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | By Appointment |
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