"I am encouraged by this - that when I walk from a bright room into a dark one carrying a candle, the darkness is overcome, yet the light is not diminished."
― Author Unknown
The original meaning of the modern word “Psychotherapy” come from the Greek words meaning Soul and Healing. Therapy then is – at it’s deepest – the “healing of the soul” or “soul care.” This idea forms the basis of David’s work – regardless of what kinds of issues are being addressed or what kinds of tools are being used. Good therapy is also based on a foundation of providing a trusting, safe and clear relationship. David looks forward to helping people who want to improve their life, or their relationships or recover from negative or harmful experiences. He has specialized training in working with individuals and couples as well as trauma recovery and integrating spirituality with therapy. He also provides clinical supervision for therapists seeking state licensure. As Executive Director, he is responsible for leadership and oversight of The Summit, however, he continues to maintain a reduced caseload of therapy and supervision.
When engaged at The Summit, David and his wife spend time with their adult children in Nashville, TN or with family in South Carolina and New Hampshire. David also pursues his interests in music on a regular basis and sings with the Furman University Singers Alumni Choir on a semi-annual basis.
Bachelor of Arts (Religion)
Furman University
Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care & Counseling
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Master of Arts (Pastoral Counseling & Marriage & Family Therapy)
Wake Forest University
David Smith has served as Executive Director of The Summit Counseling Center since 2001. Prior to this, he served a Director of Community Care & Counseling of Aiken, SC as part of Palmetto Baptist Healthcare (from 1996-1998) and as an independent nonprofit (1998 - 2001). David received his Master of Arts from Wake Forest University through a combined academic and clinical program in partnership with the School of Pastoral Care, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC, where he served on staff as a Resident, then a Staff Member and Managed Care Coordinator from 1989-1996. He completed his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care & Counseling from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988, completing clinical training at Central State Mental Hospital, Humana Hospital-Audubon, and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Hie is licensed in SC, NC, and GA, and serves as an Administrator, Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.