I am a licensed marriage and family counselor, practicing in the state of California. My focus is with individuals and couples. I have a bachelor's in Psychology, and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. I have 6 years of experience working with clients of varying ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status. I work well with, but am not limited to; clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and PTSD. I use a client centered, existentialist approach, which essentially means that I work with you to help you be the way you want to be. I listen to your needs, and work with you to set your own goals. I am not here to "fix" people, and I am not focused on changing people. Instead, I hope to assist you in your path toward life satisfaction, and to not be overwhelmed by your symptoms.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Avoidant personality, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Trichotillomania
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
CA LMFT 124809
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Steven Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Steven changed my life. He's your guy.
Written on Aug 19, 2024 after therapy with Steven for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Steven is so sweet and a GREAT listener. He paraphrases what I say and helps me breakdown what I’m feeling so I can better understand myself.
Written on Jul 18, 2024 after therapy with Steven for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
He has helped me keep my anger in control.
Written on May 31, 2024 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning anger management
Steven makes me feel very comfortable to be open and honest. I am hard on myself and he helps to soften that. I appreciate that Steven shares his thoughts and thats it not just nod and listen therapy.
Written on Sep 12, 2023 after therapy with Steven for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and intimacy-related issues
Steven is someone who is genuine, and really cares about the concerns and feelings of his patients. We have been working together for a while now, and he challenges me to think of things in a new perspective. I would recommend him a 100x over.
Written on Oct 06, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
I really like Steven a lot. I wanted someone who had an understanding and sympathy for alternative lifestyles, and he is very supportive an understanding. And he is very good at relating to you in a way the ayncs up with your own mental space. He's awesome.
Written on Jul 27, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues