About the practice
A RAE of Light
A ray of light refers to a narrow beam of light travelling in a straight line, representing a single path of light energy. Metaphorically, it signifies hope, inspiration, or a positive influence in a difficult situation. The ideas, mission, and vision of the business practice were heavily influenced by nature hikes and observing sunlight filtering through the trees. RAE is an acronym for the three principles of the practice's business model: Reach, Align, and Evolve.
RAE Counseling and Wellness, LLC opened its doors in 2025. It is located in New Albany, Indiana and serves the surrounding southern Indiana communities. Services include evidence-based experiential therapeutic services and nature-based wellness events.
Experiential therapy is not one specific intervention, but a category for varying hands-on approaches to psychotherapy. The focus is on the expressive activities and tools used in the sessions to help individuals process life experiences, emotions, and behaviors in a safe environment.
Experiential therapies are often integrated with other interventions such as Art Therapy, CBT, DBT, Pet Assisted therapy, and EMDR. The adaptability of experiential therapies make it a great intervention for all ages, individuals, groups, and families.
RAE Counseling and Wellness is owned and operated by Amanda R. Smith, MA, LPCC, LMHC, IMHP.
Amanda R. Smith, MA, LPCC, LMHC, IMHP
Hi, I'm Amanda (she/her/hers) I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana, an Integrative Mental Health Practitioner, Trained in EMDR, and a Health Rhythms Facilitator. I am also the founder of RAE Counseling & Wellness, LLC.
Ensuring a good fit for your mental health needs is an important aspect to the therapy experience. I want to make this process easier by sharing a bit about me and my experience.
In 2018 I graduated with a Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. Some of the courses that influenced my interest in experiential interventions were adventure therapy and play therapy. Additionally, I conducted an independent research study on group drumming as a burnout prevention of counseling students. I trained in an evidence-based group drumming program called Health Rhythms.
After I graduated I facilitated Health Rhythms in various settings such as children's groups, adults with developmental disabilities, high school students, college students, and community gatherings. I enjoy and continue to host Health Rhythms workshops for the community.
Meet the Therapist
Clinical Background & Experience
My passion for working with children and their families developed during my internship as a graduate student. After I became licensed I implemented the power of play and experiential interventions in-home therapy and school-based group programs. This laid the foundation for my clinical focus on innovative approaches on child emotion/behavior regulation and parent-child behavior management.
From 2018 - 2023 I worked with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings including: in-home, in-school programs, community mental health, psychiatric inpatient care, group private practice, and therapeutic foster care.
In 2023 I became independently licensed in Kentucky and expanded my clinical population to working with adults. I also completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). From 2023 - 2025 I worked at a group private practice, expanded my counseling license for Indiana, and opened RAE Counseling & Wellness. I am currently pursuing clinical training in adventure therapy.
I take a collaborative approach with genuineness, warmth, acceptance, and to develop a safe space and strong therapeutic connection. I strive to meet you and/or your family where you are and together establish an individualized plan for growth, self-awareness, utilization of strengths and optimal well-being.