Steven Smith , LMFT

Steven Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who brings a collaborative, client-focused approach to work with individuals and couples. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Steven blends formal training with a decade of clinical experience supporting clients from diverse ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

He specializes in helping people who are managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and symptoms related to trauma and post-traumatic stress. Rather than trying to “fix” someone, Steven emphasizes a client-centered and existential framework - listening closely to each person’s priorities, helping them set goals that matter to them, and supporting steps toward a more satisfying life that is not dominated by symptoms.

Steven aims to create a therapeutic environment that encourages autonomy and self-understanding, guiding clients as they explore values, choices, and practical coping strategies. His practice focuses on partnership with clients, tailoring the work to individual needs and goals so that people feel more able to navigate life’s challenges and pursue the change they want.

Approaches and online therapy for individual and couples care

Steven Smith uses client-centered therapy to prioritize each person's perspective - the therapist listens actively, reflects what matters to the client, and supports self-directed goals. This approach is helpful for people seeking greater clarity about their values, relationships, and everyday coping skills.

He also draws on existential therapy, which explores meaning, choice, and personal responsibility. That work can help clients facing life transitions, questions about identity, or the experience of feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Steven works collaboratively to identify which methods best fit a client's needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors sessions to what the client hopes to achieve rather than following a rigid protocol.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, manage logistics around work or family, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are difficult, while still working with licensed professionals and therapists who guide the therapeutic work.