Paul Smerz, Ph.D.

I am a licensed psychologist and Jungian psychoanalyst with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of life, work, and personal growth.  I am passionate about my work.  Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with adults across all stages of life as they confront the challenges that come to them through fate, family, genetics and the choices they make – both consciously and unconsciously.  

My work is guided by my belief that we are all driven by a need to individuate – to develop into a whole, authentic, and integrated self – to become what we are capable of being.  I realize that the very human conditions of anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, illness and loss, as well as the challenges that relationships bring are but some of the problems that come with life and need to be managed.  This is difficult work, and while these experiences can be overwhelming, they can also become openings for personal transformation when explored in a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.

I view therapy less as a process of “curing illness” and more as a meaningful exploration of challenges that can lead to insight, healing and change.  Many of the individuals that I work with seek not only symptom relief but also a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world.  My practice often serves professionals, executives, family business members, and individuals in high-pressure careers, as well as those facing pivotal life transitions and existential questions about fulfillment, purpose and meaning.  The challenges involved in finding balance and purpose can be overwhelming, and I work to facilitate the development of these practices.

My work draws from a wide range of therapeutic traditions – cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, attachment-based approaches, clinical hypnosis, dream work and depth-oriented psychoanalysis – allowing me to provide an integrative approach tailored to each individual.  Over the years, ongoing training and clinical experience as a psychoanalyst have deepened my appreciation for the power of depth work: exploring the unconscious and developing a more profound sense of yourself.  If you are seeking a therapist determined to use the latest technique or therapy, there will be better choices.  I think that my many years of training and experience have also allowed me to offer much wisdom to this work, something much appreciated by those whom I work with.

I regard therapy as a partnership.  A good therapist must be steady, reliable and fully present – able to walk alongside someone through both struggle and growth.  For those who are seeking to deepen their lives, cultivate inner resilience, and achieve greater self-realization, my approach may be particularly well suited.

If you feel drawn to work with me, I encourage you to contact me.  Together, we can have a conversation and determine what might be possible.   

Education

• B.S Honors degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

• M.S.W. degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

• Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky

• Analytic Diploma from the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago

To schedule an appointment with Paul Smerz please contact him at psmerz@medpsychmke.com or select him as your preferred provide on our contact form.

Provider location: Works out of both locations. Also offers telehealth appointments.