Akashia Smith
Student Therapist (Supervised Practice) / RP- Qualifyingshe/her/hersAkashia Danielle brings warmth, lived experience, and a collaborative spirit to her work as a Student Therapist (Qualifying) at Bliss Counselling. She is passionate about supporting clients in exploring identity, healing relational patterns, and finding freedom from beliefs that no longer serve them. Her goal is to create a safe and affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their journey of self-discovery.
Akashia works under the supervision of Tammy Benwell, MSW, RSW, a senior therapist and clinical supervisor at Bliss Counselling. With Tammy’s guidance, Akashia provides high-quality, supervised care while cultivating her own clinical voice. Clients benefit from both Akashia’s lived experience and Tammy’s extensive expertise.
Akashia believes that therapy is most powerful when it honours the whole person (their culture, history, and unique lived experience). Her work is culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, and grounded in authenticity. Clients can expect a therapist who walks beside them with curiosity, compassion, and respect for their autonomy.
- Individual Therapy
- Relationship Therapy
- Sex Therapy
- Virtual Therapy
- Premarital Counselling
- You want to explore patterns in your relationships and create healthier ways of connecting.
- You are deconstructing old beliefs (including religious or cultural) and seeking freedom in new perspectives.
- You are processing the impact of discrimination, systemic challenges, or intersectional experiences.
- You are navigating identity exploration or self-development and want an affirming, collaborative space.
- You value authenticity, thoughtful reflection, and a therapist who truly listens.
Identity and self-discovery | Navigating life transitions and belief deconstruction | Stress, anger, and emotional regulation | Relationship and communication patterns | Culturally sensitive care for Black, minority, and newcomer communities |Processing discrimination and systemic challenges.
Therapeutic ApproachMy work is relational, trauma-informed, and client-centred. I draw from:
- Narrative and Client-Centred Therapy
- Strengths-Based and Solution-Focused Approaches
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Gestalt and Reflective Practices
- Culturally Inclusive and Identity-Affirming Care
Akashia is completing her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Andrews University. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), she is committed to ethical, compassionate, and inclusive practice.
Her personal journey deeply informs her approach. As the eldest child supporting siblings with developmental disorders, she learned empathy and resilience early. Her process of religious deconstruction and her experiences navigating systemic barriers shaped her understanding of isolation, belonging, and identity. Through volunteer work with newcomers to Canada and professional work supporting Black and minority populations, Akashia has cultivated a therapeutic style that is both culturally sensitive and profoundly human.
When not in session
Akashia loves a good trip to the theatre, singing Broadway show tunes, watching movies (sometimes even on VHS), and diving into the pages of a great book.