My name is Monica Smith, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, providing telehealth services to adults statewide. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to name a few. I help clients build awareness, develop coping skills, and improve their overall emotional well-being.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other, explore what brings you to therapy, and begin identifying what support might look like. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for the process and see if it feels like a good fit. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as we begin this work together. We’ll also begin discussing goals so we can create a clear, collaborative path forward.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use a blend of evidence-based and integrative approaches tailored to each client’s needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Counseling, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed care. I also incorporate tools like grounding techniques, cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation skills, and self-compassion practices to help clients build awareness, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported without judgment. I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion into the therapy room, and I’m deeply committed to meeting clients where they are. I listen closely—not just to the words being said, but to what’s underneath—and I use that insight to guide meaningful conversations that help clients feel more connected to themselves and others.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally stuck, or disconnected—especially those navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, or persistent negative thoughts.