I have taught family therapy and courses on related topics for various institutions in many locations around the world. My “You & Me” newspaper column is widely enjoyed in South Africa where it has been published every week day for 14 years in The Mercury. I am originally from Durban and so I am deeply encouraged when readers inform me that I have become a “household name” on the eastern seaboard of South Africa even while living in the USA.
I have had the privilege consulting with high-profile, conflicted families who have flown me half the way around the world to assist in finding some manner of resolution to seemingly insurmountable domestic or family-business dilemmas. Also, I have enjoyed the privilege of consulting with the poorest of the poor – inner-city families, and third-world families.
I chose to discontinue my popular Saturday editorial column (the resistance I got when I stopped led me to believe it was popular) which appeared for several years in The Indianapolis Star. Despite the belief of some readers that The Star cleared its deck of evangelical writers, this is not so in my case (or in the case of any other “Christian” writer as far as I know). After some three hundred 700-word columns on every imaginable topic – I decided I had said all I wanted to say to my gracious Indiana audience.
I did get a kick out of the suggestion that I was fired because I was too evangelical! Many “real Christians” accused me of not being a Christian while others told me that I was far too religious.
Education:
Masters in Family Therapy, Butler University (1994), Indianapolis
Higher Diploma in Education (HDE in School Counseling a English)
Bachelor Degree in Psychology and English Literature.
I have completed (1986 – 1987) a Crossroads Discipleship School, a Biblical Counseling School, and a Clinical Counseling School all in Kona, Hawaii at the University of the Nations (then called The Pacific and Asian Christian University) for non-degree purposes.
To make contact with me, or to set an appointment, write to:
Contact
RodESmith@mac.com OR respond to this website by making a “comment”
What others say:
“I don’t really like the word guru, but I’m struggling to find a better way to describe Rod Smith. I met him when I was a brash sixteen year old with a mountain of insecurities hidden behind a carefully crafted persona of cocky self confidence. Rod was able to see through my disguises and to help me find a way through to who I could become. But more than that, I found that he liked me for me who I was and, wonderfully, more than 20 years later, he still does. In fact, he traveled to help my team and me in the UK (from his home in the USA) when we were facing seemingly insoluble issues. Then he also hosted all of us, a rambling carnival of faith, hope and rock n roll, in his home in the US. He has always stayed connected with me, though we’re now separated by many years and a ocean to boot. He is a wise man, a true friend, and someone I trust to speak clearly, honestly, and without thought to his own benefit… rare and wonderful things in these cynical times. Listen to what he has to say… you’ll be a better person for it.”
Tre Sheppard
Lead singer onehundredhours/Director EngageHIV
”Rod is as good with a secular audience as he is with a bunch of pastors.” DTS Staff, Amsterdam.
“I learned more by watching you with your child than from anything you said. I am amazed a man can fly all over the world with an infant and without any help!” Norman, Fiji Islands.
“Rod Smith is the most provocative speaker I have ever heard.” Julie, Auckland, New Zealand
”No one has challenged my thinking about love and relationships as radically as Rod Smith. He was an excellent speaker for our church retreat.” Peter, Indianapolis.
“Rod, your book on manners is excellent. We laughed all the way to Chicago as my son read it to us — using your accent!” Christine, Indianapolis.
“Really, Mr. Smith. If someone reads your ‘manners book’ who doesn’t know YOU they will think you are nuts!” Drew B. (13)
“Thanks for the questions to all the answers I had,” Masters Student, England
