Life Strategies Counseling

Hamlet Smith leads Life Strategies with over 30 years of experience in adult, adolescent and children’s therapy. He received his Masters of Social Work from West Virginia University. Hamlet has received his Diplomate of Clinical Social Work from the National Association of Social Workers and has been licensed by the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners at the level of Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. He is also a member in good standing of the National Association of Social Workers. Hamlet’s undergraduate work is in Bible and Theology from Appalachian Bible College.
Hamlet is the Clinical Director, CEO, and does still maintain a caseload of Clients. He is specialized in marital, child, and adolescent issues. Depression, anxiety, anger, chemical dependency, and abuse issues frequently complicate family interaction and weaken the overall effectiveness of the family unit. Hamlet is very comfortable allowing clients strengths to help them navigate the difficulties of l

Stephanie Todd, MA, Provisionally Licensed Counselor

Stephanie Todd received her Masters Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Her multi-faceted approach focuses on providing individualized, tailored treatment in a safe and welcoming environment. She has experience working with a diverse population treating depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar, addiction, and relationship issues. She has specialized interests and training in trauma, women’s issues, and grief.

In working with clients, Stephanie addresses the whole person providing education to build knowledge, coping skills to increase resiliency, and addressing lifestyle issues to support overall well-being. Her desire is to not only help her clients overcome their current obstacles but to experience personal growth, accomplishment, and inner transformation along the way.

Stephanie and her husband are native West Virginians and have a deep love for the mountains they call home. She enjoys camping, kayaking, p

William “Bill” Catus, MA, LPC

William A. Catus is one of the Clinical Directors for Life Strategies and a Licensed Professional Counselor. He is licensed by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. He has a BS from Concord University and a MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.

William’s background includes working with people who have addictions. He enjoys working with a variety of issues. William is also a veteran of the US Military and has a special interest in working with clients who have PTSD. William is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and Multicultural Counseling. William resides with his wife in the Beckley area and attends Heart of God Ministries.

Missy is a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed by the State of West Virginia Counseling Board of Examiners. She also received a B.A. in Music Education from West Liberty University (WV) and an M.A. in Music Education from Shenandoah University (VA). She is active in her church and enjoys reading, music, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband reside in Raleigh County.

Missy received her Masters Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She retired from 33 years of teaching in Raleigh County Public Schools teacher. Her extensive experience with pre-teen and teenage students, is a perfect fit for her second career as a therapist. Her sweet spirit and confidence is appreciated by young and old alike. “Depression and anxiety are keeping us and our children from so many good things!” She specializes in depression and anxiety treatment at Life Strategies.

Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose professional experiences include treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, and caregiver stressors. She has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, community-agency, a crisis stabilization unit, and the outpatient portion of a behavioral health hospital. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and has a particularly avid interest in the treatment of abuse-related trauma.

Rachel is a native of southern West Virginia and possesses a love for and interest in the culture of our area. She lives with her husband in Princeton, WV, and is active in her local church. Her favorite activities are Bible study and spending time with her family.