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LMFT

Steven Smith, LMFT

  • Experience10 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Existential Therapy
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About Steven

Steven Smith is an LMFT practicing in California who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, mood disorders such as bipolar and depression, addictions, grief, intimacy and self-esteem issues, and ADHD.

Background and approach

He draws on a decade of clinical experience to support clients navigating life changes, compassion fatigue, parenting concerns, and complex patterns like codependency, dissociation, and problems rooted in family of origin. His work also addresses specialized topics such as gender dysphoria, blended family dynamics, and concerns related to BDSM and alternative sex culture.

His approach centers on collaboration and respect for each person’s goals, using client-centered and existential frameworks to explore meaning, choice, and growth. He integrates evidence-informed practices including mindfulness and motivational interviewing to bolster coping skills and increase self-awareness, and he employs relationship-focused techniques such as the Gottman Method when appropriate.

Steven earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology and brings practical experience working with diverse clients across many life stages and backgrounds. Sessions aim to identify realistic goals and develop strategies that fit daily life rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.

Steven emphasizes listening, shared decision-making, and helping clients build sustainable tools to manage symptoms and pursue greater life satisfaction.

Approaches for Online Growth and Connection

Steven often draws from client-centered therapy, which focuses on listening deeply and supporting clients to identify their own goals and values; this approach helps people who want a collaborative space to clarify choices and build personal agency. He also uses mindfulness-based techniques to help clients develop present-moment awareness and practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity. The Gottman Method is integrated when relationship work is needed, offering structured strategies to improve communication and strengthen partnership skills.

Choosing the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and how symptoms show up in daily life to determine which methods to prioritize, and adjustments are made as work evolves so the client and therapist tailor the plan together.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and try different formats to discover what feels most effective for learning skills and making progress.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Steven commonly address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, grief, intimacy-related problems, and ADHD.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His work is collaborative and client-centered, informed by existential perspectives that explore meaning and choice while helping clients set personally meaningful goals.
What is his professional background and experience?
He holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and has 10 years of clinical experience working with diverse clients and a broad range of mental health concerns.
What credentials and location does he hold?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the designation CA LMFT 124809 and practices in California.
Does he offer services in languages other than English?
He provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for working together?
Sessions may be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Avoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomania

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyExistential TherapyGottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

What Steven can help with

Steven Smith works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Steven works with individuals and couples.

Steven works with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and PTSD.

How Steven approaches therapy

Steven's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

Experience and training

Steven is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California.