Meet the Flock

Rev. Desiree Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor, Certified Trauma Model Therapist (TMT), author, musician, and ordained Christian minister dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma through innovative, integrative, and compassionate care.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Capella University and her Master of Social Work from Widener University. She also holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from North Central Theological Seminary.

Desiree is the Founder and Clinical Director of Painted Bird Psychotherapy, a trauma-informed mental health practice grounded in neuroscience, attachment, creativity, and whole-person healing. She is also the Founder and CEO of Hazel Gray Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans, military families, and individuals impacted by trauma through peer support, advocacy, community engagement, and recovery-oriented programming.

Her advanced clinical training includes EMDR (EMDRIA-Trained), Deep Brain Reorienting (Levels 1–3), Martin Warner's Attachment Trauma Interweaves, Flash Technique, Ego State Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and certification as a Trauma Model Therapist (TMT). She is committed to integrating evidence-based practice with innovative approaches that address the emotional, neurological, relational, and spiritual dimensions of healing.

Her therapeutic style blends psychotherapy, EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting, Trauma Model Therapy, ego-state interventions, inner child healing, clinical hypnotherapy, expressive arts, and faith-integrated counseling to help clients reconnect with their authentic selves and move toward lasting healing and meaningful change.

Emily Singh, CSAC, MSW, is a Supervisee in Social Work practicing under the clinical supervision of Desiree Smith, LCSW-S, Founder and Clinical Director of Painted Bird Psychotherapy. Her path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by both military service and a deep passion for helping others create meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.

Emily believes that every person possesses the capacity for growth, healing, and resilience when provided with the right support, guidance, and opportunities. She is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and welcoming therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to focus on what matters most to them.

Her approach is collaborative, client-centered, and grounded in the belief that therapy should honor everyone’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Emily works with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth struggles. She is particularly passionate about helping clients develop insight, build practical coping skills, and strengthen confidence as they navigate life's challenges.

Drawing from evidence-based and strengths-focused approaches, Emily partners with clients to identify patterns, foster resilience, and create meaningful change. She views the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative journey where clients are encouraged to explore their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward greater emotional wellness and fulfillment.

Emily believes that healing is not about becoming someone different, it is about discovering, nurturing, and strengthening the parts of yourself that have always been there. She is committed to walking alongside her clients as they work toward healing, growth, and a more authentic connection with themselves and others.