We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Growing up, I was always told that I was extremely empathetic. I feel things deeply and I feel greatly for others. I valued this characteristic of mine and knew early on that I wanted to help others. I wanted to connect with people and support them so they didn’t feel alone. I wanted to walk alongside them in their journey and offer my care and support. This ultimately led me to my chosen career as a therapist. I’m in the business of people and people need to be seen and heard. People also need connection and I am able to connect with them through empathy. I think a therapist’s greatest gift is empathy. The ability to truly understand someone, their situation, their hardships and to feel with them is powerful and essential to the therapeutic process. Without empathy, I would not be a successful therapist. Every therapeutic relationship is built off of the basis of empathy for another soul. Providing a safe and empathetic place for someone to be vulnerable and work through hard stuff is so important. People deserve to be seen and heard and no one should feel as though they have to walk this life completely alone. Success in my business looks like connection and my (clients) allowing me into their lives and allowing me to feel with them and walk alongside them in their journey. I care about people and I’m thankful everyday that my clients let me in and trust me to hold their pain and help them grow.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My dad passed away unexpectedly when I was 19 years old. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever gone through. I sought my own support during that time from my therapist, family and friends. I was blessed to have a great support system. Through those dark times, I kept going because I always had hope. Hope that I could keep going. Hope that things could get better and hope that I could make my dad proud. As long as you still have hope, you’re going to be ok. I wanted to instill hope in others and empower them to keep going. My dad’s name was Ray and to honor him and my journey, I named my private practice “Ray of Hope Counseling PLLC”.

Ray of Hope Counseling PLLC provides virtual counseling in the state of Texas to teens, adults and families. Our 3 pillars are empathy, empowerment and evolution. We start with empathy and we empower our clients to evolve into their happiest, healthiest versions of themselves. We specialize in workplace mental health, burnout, anxiety, depression, and healthy relationships. Seeing clients grow and feel confident in themselves is the most rewarding aspect of our work.

While grad school taught me a lot of things, it did not teach me how to run a successful business. I’ve gotten to where I am today by researching all the things, learning from mentors and taking a chance on myself. Starting your own business is scary and overwhelming but sometimes you just have to jump and go for it. I tend to be a perfectionist and I had to let go of perfection and just go for it. One of my mantras is “done is better than perfect” which to me means that perfection is impossible to achieve anyways and you can always improve and make changes along the way. I learned a lot along the way and still am learning so much! My support system and mentors have helped keep me grounded and encouraged me every step of the way. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you have to take a chance on yourself and believe in yourself. If you’re determined and passionate about what you do, you’ll figure it out and make it work. Sometimes we can stand in our own way and I’ve learned first hand that sometimes I need to get out of my own way and just do the thing and dive in head first.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a total foodie, I love a good patio and the Dallas skyline is the most beautiful skyline in the world. One of my favorite places to spend the afternoon is strolling up and down the streets of Bishop Arts. I love the local shops, the history and the food! Emporium Pies is a must have dessert! Trinity Groves is also a favorite with so many different restaurants to choose from all with great patios. I’m a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan so going to a Cowboys game at AT&T stadium is an experience like no other! I also really enjoy downtown Dallas. Klyde Warren Park is one of my favorite places to relax and people watch. It’s incredible. There’s a lush park in the middle of a huge city. If you’re in Texas, you have to eat some BBQ so Terry Black’s in Deep Ellum is my favorite place to have BBQ. They also have a great rooftop where you can see awesome views of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my own therapist. She has held my pain, helped me grow, empowered me, mentored me, inspired me, and never once judged me or gave up on me. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She truly understands me and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. My victories are her victories and I am beyond grateful to always have her in my corner.

Website: www.rohcounselingtx.com

Instagram: @ rayofhopecounselingpllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552868452981

Image Credits
Humaira Banu Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.