Summer Busching-Smith, MSW
(She/Her)

My Approach

Vulnerability takes courage, especially when taking steps to start your journey in therapy. Life can often take unexpected turns that stop us in our tracks. Whether these are major life transitions, disappointments, loss, or general overwhelm, we were never meant to work through challenging times alone.

I believe in creating an environment that leads with understanding, curiosity, and grace. My goal is to offer a space that removes shame and self-judgement, and emphasizes that you are worthy and deserving of being heard and supported. Together we will create a therapeutic relationship that prioritizes your goals, challenges negative self-beliefs, and inspires you to become the most authentic and empowered version of yourself.

Clinical Interests

As the daughter of an immigrant mother from the Dominican Republic, I feel especially devoted to providing accessible services for Spanish-speaking women and mothers. Language barriers should never be a reason why women or mothers miss out on needed support and the opportunity to work on their own wellbeing. I’m deeply committed to creating a space that honors the way in which culture shapes identity and understands the complexities of navigating womanhood and motherhood within Western Culture.

I feel passionate about women’s health and how critical it is for not only ourselves, but the way in which we show up in every part of our lives. Women’s health is often not openly spoken about, especially when it comes to the “mental load”, pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and infertility. This can feel isolating and lead to internalized shame and self-doubt. Having completed trainings through Postpartum Support International, I am eager to provide a space that normalizes and uplifts the voices of women, mothers, and caregivers of all backgrounds who may feel alone while navigating their mental health and wellbeing.

I work with teenagers and young adults of all genders and identities. Adolescence is a stage filled with transitions and adjustments as teens navigate both identity and increased independence. I aim to provide a supportive space that meets each individual with curiosity rather than judgement.

About Me

I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with my master’s in social work, and received my undergraduate degree from Boston University in International Relations with a minor in Psychology prior. I have worked with adolescents experiencing complex trauma and attachment disorders in both partial-hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Additionally, I have experience working in community-based support services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, finding fun things to do with my 2 children, and catching up on the latest Reality TV!