Dr. Michael Smith, PhD
Partner & Co-Founder, Family Psychology Associates

In this powerful interview, Dr. Lindsay Frey sits down with the distinguished Dr. Michael Smith, a seasoned clinical and family psychologist whose career spans nearly five decades. Dr. Smith has shaped the field of child and family mental health in Florida and beyond—through clinical work, community leadership, advocacy, and innovative education initiatives.

Dr. Smith shares the extraordinary arc of his professional journey, beginning as a VISTA volunteer and evolving into a respected clinician, evaluator, leader, and educator. His work has touched children, emerging adults, families, couples, executives, and large-scale community programs. He has also been widely recognized by the Florida Psychological Association for his contributions to mental health, public interest, and legislative advocacy.

Together, we explore themes of resilience, emotional intelligence, special education, family systems, and the changing landscape of mental health services for children and young adults.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, perspective, and heart—and offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means to serve, to teach, and to help families grow through every season of life.

Website: Michael T. Smith, Ph.D. - Family Psychology Associates

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➡️ Subscribe, rate, and share this episode! Help us grow by leaving a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your feedback means the world to Dr. Frey. 🌍

If you are interested in following Dr. Frey's journey, you can do so here:

• Website: www.findinghopewellnesscenter.com/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlindsayfrey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayfrey
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-frey-psyd

💛 Interested in services from Finding Hope Wellness Center?
Visit our website here: www.findinghopewellnesscenter.com

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These are tools and resources I personally recommend for wellness and practice growth. By using these links, you’ll receive special offers, and I may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

• Healthie – Streamline your wellness practice and save!
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Episode Overview:

In this episode, Dr. Frey sits down with the internationally based clinical psychologist Dr. Véronique Elefant-Yanni, whose work spans continents and cultures. Originally from France and now based in Switzerland, Véronique has lived and studied in Canada, South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland—and brings this global perspective to her therapeutic work.

She specializes in working with expats, cross-cultural couples, and globally mobile clients, particularly those navigating life and love across borders. Whether her clients are based in Singapore, the UK, Bali, Australia, or Korea, Dr. Véronique offers grounded, culturally sensitive support to help them feel seen, understood, and empowered.

What We Explore

• What it means to provide therapy across cultures and time zones
• Common challenges for clients living outside their home country
• How to support couples navigating different cultural backgrounds
• The importance of identity, adaptability, and belonging
• How Véronique’s own international journey shaped her professional path
• Why flea markets are her favorite form of self-care and joy

Connect with Dr. Véronique Elefant-Yanni

• Website: https://psychologyexperts.online/
• Free guide: www.psychologyexperts.online/3D
• Facebook: facebook.com/psychologyexperts
• Instagram: @psychologyexperts
• LinkedIn: Véronique Elefant-Yanni

Support the show

➡️ Subscribe, rate, and share this episode! Help us grow by leaving a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your feedback means the world to Dr. Frey. 🌍

If you are interested in following Dr. Frey's journey, you can do so here:

• Website: www.findinghopewellnesscenter.com/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlindsayfrey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayfrey
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-frey-psyd

💛 Interested in services from Finding Hope Wellness Center?
Visit our website here: www.findinghopewellnesscenter.com

🌿 Affiliate Partners & Special Offers

These are tools and resources I personally recommend for wellness and practice growth. By using these links, you’ll receive special offers, and I may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

• Healthie – Streamline your wellness practice and save!
  👉 Get exclusive Healthie discounts here
• Zonka Feedback – Collect client feedback effortlessly and start improving your practice!
  👉 Start with Zonka Feedback today

Episode Summary

In this episode of Mental Health Without Borders, Dr. Lindsay Frey speaks with Lacey Redding, a US licensed therapist living in Sweden. They discuss Lacey's journey to becoming a therapist, her specialization in ADHD and complex trauma, and the cultural differences in mental health approaches between Sweden and the US. Lacey shares her insights on the importance of understanding ADHD and trauma, the wellness practices in Swedish culture, and the significance of music in her healing journey. The conversation highlights the need for compassion and understanding in mental health, as well as the importance of work-life balance and self-care.

Takeaways

• Lacey Redding became a therapist later in life, which she believes has made her a better one.
• ADHD and complex trauma often coexist, requiring a nuanced approach in therapy.
• Cultural differences significantly impact how mental health issues are perceived and treated.
• In Sweden, ADHD diagnoses are conservative, often requiring more visible dysfunction for treatment.
• The concept of 'Fredagsmys' promotes family bonding through weekly cozy nights.
• Swedes prioritize work-life balance, with long summer breaks and flexible work hours.
• Music serves as a vital outlet for emotional expression and healing.
• Therapists can provide validation and clarity for clients navigating ADHD and trauma.
• The importance of community and connection in wellness practices is emphasized in Swedish culture.
• Self-care practices like 'fika' encourage regular breaks and social interaction.

Connect with Lacey: www.soundmindeurope.com

Support the show

➡️ Subscribe, rate, and share this episode! Help us grow by leaving a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your feedback means the world to Dr. Frey. 🌍

If you are interested in following Dr. Frey's journey, you can do so here:

• Website: www.findinghopewellnesscenter.com/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlindsayfrey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayfrey
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-frey-psyd

💛 Interested in services from Finding Hope Wellness Center?
Visit our website here: www.findinghopewellnesscenter.com

🌿 Affiliate Partners & Special Offers

These are tools and resources I personally recommend for wellness and practice growth. By using these links, you’ll receive special offers, and I may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

• Healthie – Streamline your wellness practice and save!
  👉 Get exclusive Healthie discounts here
• Zonka Feedback – Collect client feedback effortlessly and start improving your practice!
  👉 Start with Zonka Feedback today