Navigating life's challenges can be daunting, especially when they stem from deep-rooted experiences like childhood trauma or complex PTSD. But you're not alone in this journey. As a therapist, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can freely express, process, and explore their emotions. Whether you're an active-duty military member, part of a neurodiverse couple, or an individual facing various struggles, my goal is to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll work towards cultivating hope, resilience, and inner strength, empowering you to lead a more fulfilling life. I possess a decade-plus of expertise in aiding adults, adolescents, couples, and families during challenging times. With a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, I am licensed in CA and OR and boast additional certifications in various modalities, including trauma-informed therapy.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we will begin with brief introductions to get to know each other and establish a comfortable rapport. I will ask you to share some background information about yourself, including your current situation, personal history, and any specific challenges or concerns you are facing. This initial discussion helps me gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique circumstances. Next, we will delve deeper into the specific issues that brought you to seek therapy. I will ask you about your experiences and difficulties and any other areas of your life where you feel stuck or overwhelmed. This conversation will allow me to identify the key areas we need to focus on and help me tailor a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. During this session, I will also explain my therapeutic approach and the techniques we might use in our work together. This could include evidence-based therapies such as EMDR for trauma, cognitive-behavioral strategies for OCD, and Gottman methods for relationship issues. I will provide an overview of what you can expect in our sessions and answer any questions you might have about the process. We will also discuss your therapy goals. What do you hope to achieve? What changes are you looking to make in your life? Setting clear and achievable goals is crucial for measuring progress and ensuring our work aligns with your aspirations. Finally, I will outline a preliminary plan for our future sessions. This plan will be flexible and adaptable, allowing us to make adjustments as needed based on your progress and feedback. I aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your healing journey. By the end of our first session, you should have a clear understanding of the therapeutic process, a sense of our direction, and a feeling of comfort and trust in our working relationship. This foundation will set the stage for meaningful and effective therapy, helping you achieve a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My key strengths include strong cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness. I have extensive experience working with diverse groups, displaying cultural, sexual orientation, and spiritual sensitivity. My work focuses on underserved populations, particularly BIPOC communities. I am proficient in addressing various DSM V diagnoses that affect clients' work and family life, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, systemic racism, eating disorders, addiction, and infidelity. My multilingual abilities allow me to offer therapeutic services in multiple languages, including Hindi and Punjabi, enhancing my ability to connect with and serve diverse populations. I am trained and certified in numerous therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), EMDR, Gottman Methods, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Anger Management. I hold significant professional affiliations and certifications, such as being an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and CAMFT Certified Supervisor. These certifications highlight my expertise and leadership in the field. My experience spans various clinical settings, including military family life counseling, addiction recovery services, and private practice. This diverse experience allows me to adapt and provide effective therapy across different settings and populations. I have demonstrated the ability to build caring and collaborative environments in academic settings, clinical practice, or community engagements.

About Dr. Smita Kapoor