- Years in practice
- 10
- Credentials
- LMFT
- Licensed in
- California
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
About Steven
Steven Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. He works with individuals and couples who are coping with stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma, mood concerns, addiction, parenting strain, and identity issues. He listens first and helps people set goals that matter to them.
With ten years of experience, Steven keeps sessions practical and straightforward. He asks about daily routines, what matters most, and what already helps.
Background and approach
He focuses on clear steps clients can try between sessions and checks in on what changes and what does not. His style is collaborative and respectful. He frames problems in everyday terms and avoids jargon.
People who prefer direct conversation and real-world strategies often find this approach useful. Steven blends client-centered work with existential ideas, Gottman relationship techniques, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing. That mix lets him address personal meaning, day-to-day coping, and relationship patterns in the same plan.
He tailors methods to each person rather than following a single script. Sessions can include talk, practical exercises, and focused skill-building. He helps people sort through grief, parenting challenges, identity questions, and substance concerns without using shame.
The goal is clearer choices and more manageable days.
What Steven works with
Everything Steven lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Steven helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- 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
Approaches Steven lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Gottman Method
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How online approaches and practical therapy fit together
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, listening stance where the therapist follows the client's lead and helps them clarify what they want. This approach is useful for people who need a space to make sense of their feelings and priorities. Existential Therapy focuses on meaning, choice, and responsibility and helps when life changes or identity questions feel overwhelming or confusing.Steven works with clients to find the best mix of methods. He usually starts by asking about your goals, daily life, and what has helped before. Together you decide whether to focus on meaning, relationship patterns, mindfulness skills, or short-term behavior changes. That collaborative process helps keep each session relevant to your needs and preferences.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during busy days. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter check-ins, quick skill coaching, or people who prefer writing over speaking. These options make it easier to keep momentum between appointments and to try tools in real life.
Questions people ask about Steven
What concerns does Steven commonly address?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, grief, ADHD, and related concerns.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are collaborative and straightforward. He listens first, helps set personal goals, and focuses on practical steps to try between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
He has ten years of clinical experience working with a wide range of concerns and relationship issues.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as options for online work.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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