Therapist profile
Steven Smith, LMFT
LMFT focused on relationships and parenting
Continue with StevenAbout
- Client-centered approach
- Gottman Method work
- Mindfulness practices
About Steven
Steven Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 10 years of experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, LGBT concerns, grief, intimacy issues, parenting questions, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
Steven sees both individuals and couples. He uses simple, direct listening to clarify what matters to each person. Sessions focus on the problems you bring and on small, practical steps you can try between meetings.
His approach draws on client-centered work and existential ideas. That means he centers the person's own values and choices. He aims to help people decide what matters to them and to act in line with those choices rather than pushing a fixed plan.
He also uses evidence-informed methods such as mindfulness practices to help with emotion regulation and the Gottman Method for relationship patterns. Motivational interviewing techniques are used when people are weighing change or struggling with addiction or commitment issues.
People who come to him often want clearer boundaries, better communication, or relief from persistent worry or mood swings. He works on concrete skills like communication and coping techniques while also addressing deeper questions about meaning and motivation.
Before choosing a therapist, readers should confirm session options and formats when scheduling. Steven conducts work from California and holds the LMFT credential listed above.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the client clarifies goals and next steps; online sessions can keep that direct conversational style and focus on actionable small steps. Existential Therapy addresses questions of meaning and choice and helps people decide what matters to them; delivered remotely this can be done through guided conversation and short reflective exercises. The Gottman Method targets relationship patterns and communication skills and often uses structured exercises and feedback that adapt well to remote meetings.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Steven will work with each person to match methods to their goals and preferences. He checks in about what is working and adjusts techniques as needed so therapy stays practical and relevant.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm options when you book. Many people choose online sessions because they fit into busy days, allow shorter check-ins during work breaks, or reduce time spent traveling. Online work can make it easier to practice communication skills between meetings and to build consistency without changing daily routines.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he address related to home life?
He works with stress, relationship strain, parenting questions, blended family issues, family of origin problems, and related topics such as grief and divorce and separation.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a client-centered, existential approach that emphasizes personal values and choice, with practical techniques from mindfulness and the Gottman Method when useful.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 10 years of clinical experience working with adults and couples on mood, anxiety, trauma, relationship, and addiction concerns.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an LMFT licensed in California and practices from that state.
Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session formats when you schedule, as the biography does not specify which formats are used.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.