In Memory of Larry…
August 2016. With great sadness, we report the passing of Lawrence B. (Larry) Smith, LCSW of Silver Spring, MD on August 11, 2016. Larry was a well-respected therapist who specialized in attachment disorders, developmental trauma and FASD. He was an active volunteer with the Attachment & Trauma Network, serving as a board member since 2009. A child and family therapist since 1993, Larry has helped countless families around the DC area and across the country. Larry has written extensively on attachment disorders and trauma, as well as related topics of shame, FASD and the neurological impacts of technology. Many of his articles, including the well-known “Oil and Water: The Attachment-Disordered Child at School” can be found on the website he co-founded and maintained: www.attachmentdisordermaryland.com.
We, at ATN, have had the pleasure to work with Larry on our shared passion of educating parents of children impacted by trauma and attachment disorders since 2003. In additional to frequently consulting on ATN articles and programs, Larry taught and mentored social workers, adoption professionals and other therapists about the impact of early trauma and attachment impairments on a child’s development, as well as training foster parents throughout Maryland. He advised a DC-area parent support group, the Alpha Moms. Larry will be sorely missed on ATN’s Board of Directors and as a passionate proponent of supporting parents to be the healing agents of their children. He will always be remembered for his quick-wit and gregarious sense of humor. Those who knew him at ATN knew that he was not only a gifted therapist and wise researcher, but a kind soul and firm believer that laughter heals.
Help us to honor Larry by leaving your memories and tributes below and/or by giving to the Lawrence B. Smith Therapeutic Parenting Fund that ATN has established. This money will help ATN’s programs of supporting and training therapeutic parents of traumatized children – a cause Larry was passionate about.
The Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so all donations to ATN are tax-deductible. ATN operates entirely on the generosity of our donors and members. Donations can be made on this page, by phone, or mail. For more information, please email us.
His family has announced that a Celebration of His Life will occur August 27 from 4-6 pm at the Aria Building 7 Portwalk Place, First Floor, Portsmouth, NH 03801. If you wish to send condolences to his family, they can be sent to: 9305 Mintwood Street, Silver Spring, MD 20901
ATN’s Executive Director, Julie Beem, remembers Larry in her own words.
