Steven Smith , LMFT

Steven Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California. He holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master of Clinical Psychology, and carries the LMFT credential which denotes a licensed marriage and family therapist. With ten years of clinical experience, he works primarily with individuals and couples and has supported clients across a range of ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Steven has particular experience helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He relies on a client-centered and existential approach - focusing on listening carefully, honoring each person's values, and collaborating on goals that matter to the client. Rather than trying to "fix" someone, he aims to help clients clarify what they want from life, reduce the burden of overwhelming symptoms, and take practical steps toward greater life satisfaction.

In sessions he emphasizes respect for the client's autonomy and works to create a supportive environment where personal choice and self-directed growth guide the therapeutic work. His practice is oriented toward helping people navigate difficult emotions, relationships, and life transitions while building coping strategies that fit their priorities.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Steven Smith draws from client-centered, existential, and mindfulness approaches to guide online work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathic listening and collaboration, helping clients set their own goals and build strategies that reflect their values - it is often useful for mood and relationship concerns. Existential therapy explores meaning, choice, and responsibility, assisting people facing life transitions, grief, or questions about identity and purpose. Mindfulness therapy introduces present-moment awareness and simple practices to reduce reactivity and improve coping with stress and anxiety.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Steven will work collaboratively with each client to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and may blend techniques over time to better support progress.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions are delivered - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to access support from different locations. These options allow therapists and clients to maintain momentum between sessions and adapt the format to what feels most helpful for the individual.