I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University, as well as a Master's degree in Psychology from California State University Los Angeles. I have 10+ years experience working in the mental health field, including both in an inpatient psychiatric setting and a community based mental health setting. I have worked with adults of all ages, from diverse ethnocultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and/or the LGBTQ+ community. My experience includes working with individuals with various issues such as: anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship issues, dual diagnosis, grief counseling, trauma, and women's Issues. My passion for mental health began in college when I realized there are disproportionately few South Asian mental health professionals. Having immigrated from India to the United States as a child, I have experienced first hand how attempting to acculturate can significantly impact one's mental health and overall wellbeing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our initial session, we'll begin with a brief introduction, followed by a concise bio-psychosocial assessment to understand your background and current situation. we'll also discuss your expectations for therapy, which will inform the development of a tailored treatment plan. Additionally, this session serves as an opportunity for both of us to assess whether we're a good fit to work together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
With over a decade of experience in mental health, I've found that cultivating an easy-going and approachable demeanor has been instrumental in fostering genuine connections with my clients. Beyond my professional role, I possess a natural curiosity which enables me to delve deeper into understanding my clients on a personal level. I firmly believe that every detail shared during sessions, whether it pertains to hobbies, interests, or preferences, holds significance. By actively listening and engaging with clients, I am adept at extracting valuable insights that illuminate different facets of their lives.
About Subha Smith
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Humanistic
I prioritize the unique subjective experiences and intrinsic motivations of each individual. I focus on fostering self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth to help clients achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. I incorporate techniques such as empathic listening, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness to create a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and value. By honoring and validating clients' experiences without judgment, I empower them to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their inner resources.
Psychodynamic
I utilize techniques that delve into the unconscious mind to uncover underlying patterns and conflicts influencing a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my practice, I employ active listening, interpretation, and exploration of past experiences and relationships to help clients gain insight into their unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts. Through psychodynamic therapy, I creat a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings, fears, and desires, fostering self-awareness and facilitating personal growth. I help clients understand how past experiences, including childhood experiences and early relationships, shape their current perceptions and behaviors.
Supportive
I focus on providing empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to clients facing challenging circumstances or emotional distress. In my practice, I use Supportive Theory to create a nurturing and validating therapeutic relationship that helps clients feel understood, accepted and supported. I employ active listening, validation, and affirmation to acknowledge clients' feelings and experiences without judgment or criticism. I also provide emotional support and practical guidance to help clients cope with stress, manage difficult emotions, and navigate life's challenges. This may involve teaching coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and stress management strategies tailored to each client's unique needs and circumstances.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I specialize in helping clients identify and amplify their strengths and resources to create positive changes in their lives. In my practice, I use SFBT techniques to collaborate with clients in setting specific, achievable goals and developing practical stratgies to reach them efficiently. I employ a future-oriented approach, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. I guide clients in exploring their desired outcomes and envisioning a future where there outcomes have been achiveed. By helping clients visualize their preferred future, I inspire hope and motivation for change.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As a therapist, I prioritize cultural sensitivity in my practice to ensure that I provide effective and respectful therapy to clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My experience in culturally sensitive therapy involves several key aspects: Cultural Competence, Awareness of cultural biases, Flexibility in therapy approach (to accommodate the cultural preferences and needs of each client), Collaboration with clients (actively engage clients in discussions about their cultural identities, experiences, and values to ensure that therapy is culturally relevant and responsive to their needs), and Addressing cultural stigma (to reduce the stigma associated with mental health within culturally diverse communities)
