Meet Courtney Simmons, LMSW, one of the therapists at Liben Psychotherapy. In this Q&A, Courtney shares her approach to holding space without judgment, what mindfulness looks like beyond meditation and yoga, and why understanding a client’s culture, environment, and social context is essential to real, meaningful therapeutic work. Read on to get to know her style and see if she might be the right fit for your journey.

What can clients expect during their first few sessions with you?

Answer: My primary goal is to hold space – to be fully present with you and let your experience flow freely. There is no judgment here, just another human honoring the lived experience that has shaped who you are today. I want you to feel seen and heard—not as a client being treated, but as two people navigating this side-by-side. I’m not here to “fix” you, and I consider that one of my greatest strengths as a therapist. While I work hard on my own growth, I meet you exactly where you are in your journey—a pivotal moment, given you’ve decided to enter the therapeutic journey. In our work together, how you feel will always matter more than what I say.

What does mindfulness look like outside of meditation or yoga?

Answer: While attending a silent meditation retreat, a Buddhist teacher once asked, “What’s the rest of your life, chopped liver?” As valuable as formal sitting or walking practices are, the rest of your life matters just as much. Every moment and every breath calls us to fully arrive. Why does that matter? Because the more present you are, the more deeply you can connect with someone you love, savor a meal, or share a laugh with a friend. Mindfulness is about waking up instead of sleepwalking through life—separating yourself from the mind chatter, and untangling yourself from stories to connect with your true self.

Why is it important to consider a person’s environment, culture, and social context in therapy?

Answer: As humans, we have a deep, hardwired need to belong, and who we are is constantly shaped by the world around us—our families of origin, our communities, and the social structures we navigate every day. Even in an individualistic culture, we are deeply woven into fabrics of power, privilege, and shared history. How could we possibly step into therapy and ignore all of that? Considering your unique context is essential to truly understanding your beliefs, your choices, and how you move through the world.

Read more about Courtney 

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