Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings

Joe Smith

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Open-minded
Virtual
Next available on

About me

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I bring a warm, steady presence and take a thoughtful, thorough interest in who you are—like a trusted and wise friend who’s here to listen without judgment and help you see things more clearly. I believe therapy should be a safe, affirming space for everyone, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based methods, I tailor each session to your unique needs. Together, we can explore meaning, shift unhelpful narratives, and build skills for a more grounded and fulfilling future.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session together will be mostly focussed on getting to know each-other - a warm welcoming. I will take the time to understand your interest in therapy and discuss ways we might approach the problems currently encountered in your life. For insurance purposes we will also engage in some discussion around diagnosis and treatment goals - I make this easy to understand and relevant to your needs.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine human-to-human connection. People often describe me as calm, mature, insightful, deeply caring, and grounded. My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you can explore what’s happening in your life without judgment — and with the confidence that you’re not facing it alone. Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly 20 years in the business world, working in software development and marketing while also caring for aging parents and raising my children as a full-time single parent. That earlier chapter of my life taught me the realities of career pressures, life transitions, parenting/caregiving, and navigating complex relationships. When I shifted into psychotherapy, I brought with me not only advanced training in therapeutic methods, but also lived experience of meeting life’s challenges and finding new ways forward.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I have worked with clients from all walks of life. My experience includes working extensively with LGBTQ+ clients, as well as with neurodivergent adults - whether newly diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or simply seeking a space where their differences are understood and valued. I approach neurodivergent-affirming care much like allyship: as an ongoing process of learning, reflection, and respect, especially for experiences I have not lived myself.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyDepression

Other specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

I have used parts work with individuals in therapy, along with other methods, to help clients better understand their patterns of protection and reactions to past traumas.

Narrative

My core training was in Narrative Therapy, which is non-pathologizing and honoring of individual's strengths and unique abilities.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I utilize principles in ACT to help clients develop and strengthen positive coping skills to better manage difficult emotions.

Location

Offers in-person in 1450 Village Ln, Chico, CA 95926Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.