Steven Smith

Steven Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. He focuses on helping people who feel overwhelmed by anger, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, grief, or life changes. He works with individuals and couples to name goals and make steady progress.

He draws on ten years of clinical work and a background in psychology to keep sessions practical and straightforward. Conversations tend to center on what matters most to each person, and on skills that can be tried between meetings. He believes therapy is a collaborative process rather than a one-way fix.

His approach is rooted in client-centered and existential ideas, which means he listens for each person’s values and decisions and helps them act on what matters. He also integrates mindfulness practices to manage intense feelings and Motivational Interviewing techniques to clarify change when needed. The Gottman Method is used to address recurring relationship patterns when couples choose it.

Sessions are guided by the goals a person brings, such as reducing angry outbursts, improving communication, or coping with trauma and addiction. He aims to make progress in manageable steps so changes feel realistic. People can expect direct listening, practical tools, and planning for what to try between sessions.

Steven received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical psychology prior to earning his California LMFT credential. He sees English-speaking clients and does not accept international clients.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and helping people clarify what they want from life. That approach is about following each person's priorities and supporting their choices. Existential therapy looks at values, meaning, and major life decisions; it can help when someone feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what matters next. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and manage intense feelings like anger or anxiety.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then recommend which methods to try. This is a collaborative process and can be adjusted as needs change.

The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people use mindfulness and emotion-regulation practices in the settings where they live and work, so skills transfer more naturally into everyday life.