Jared Smiley

About

Born and raised in Atlanta, Jared studied psychology and philosophy at the University of Georgia before earning a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University in 2009. While studying there he presided over a student organization for counselor development and working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people in therapy; researched aggression and hostility in the Psychology Department’s behavioral science lab; collaborated with doctoral students on dissertation projects; trained with Safe Zone and served on the Safe Zone Interdepartmental committee; worked in a graduate research assistantship for an organization serving under-served grandparents raising their grandchildren in metro Atlanta.

After four years of practice in community-based agencies working with adults living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illness, marginalized children and families, and individuals and groups recovering from addiction, Jared joined a small private group practice. In 2016, he started his own practice and moved to the offices of the Cathedral Counseling Center at the Lanier House in affiliation with the Cathedral of St. Philip. In 2024, he and dear friend and colleague, Tara Lozano, joined hearts in their career-long dream to co-found the Atlanta Somatic Healing Psychotherapy Center. Jared believes in inherent worth and is committed to guiding anyone to back their own source of truth, strength, safety, and ease. Interpersonal process and feedback, therapeutic dialogue, intuitive offering and reflection, embodiment exercise and somatic practice, and planning and resourcing are all ways clients and Jared may engage.

At Atlanta Somatic Healing, Jared provides individual therapy for adults with an emphasis on healing with the mind/body connection and through promoting strong, secure inner relations. Specific areas include: relationship dynamics, stress, anxiety and overwhelm, developmental and specific trauma, identity development and transition, personality growth, neurodiversity, queer identity/LGBTQ+ development, worthlessness and shame, and grief. He values assisting clients in treating dis-ease and restoring their sense of purpose and meaning in being alive together.

Outside of work, Jared can be found connecting with loved ones, being out in the world, or having some solitude. He enjoys reading, representational drawing, running, playing piano, sewing and other sundry crafting, exploring nature, and gardening. His husband and dog are constant companions.