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Alia Smith

Alia Smith

LMFT

California

Practical, person-focused therapy for change

Continue with Alia

At a glance

Credentials
LMFT
License
LMFT, California / 101247
Experience
15 years
Languages
English
Location
California

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational approach
    • Values based work
    • Skills focused

    About Alia

    Alia Smith is a California licensed marriage and family therapist with 15 years of clinical experience. She centers sessions on the person in front of her and uses practical conversations to help people get unstuck. Her style is down-to-earth and focused on small changes that add up over time.

    She often uses motivational interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change and to build momentum. She also draws on acceptance and commitment approaches to help clients clarify values and take action that matters to them. Cognitive behavioral techniques are used when clients want concrete tools to manage thoughts and behavior.

    Alia has supported people working through addictions, trauma and abuse, and problems with mood such as depression and bipolar. She also helps with anxiety, stress, attention challenges like ADHD, relationship concerns, and self-esteem struggles. Additional focuses include body image, codependency, dissociation, and post-traumatic stress issues.

    Sessions aim to be collaborative and respectful of each person’s story. Alia helps clients identify small, achievable steps and practices to try between sessions. She encourages honest conversation about what works and what does not.

    Her approach is practical and compassionate. People who come to her can expect clear goals, straightforward tools, and support as they try new ways of coping and relating to themselves and others.

  2. How these approaches work in online sessions

    Alia uses motivational interviewing to help people find their own motivation for change through open questions and reflective listening. This approach is useful for addictions, low motivation, and when someone wants to move toward healthier habits. She also draws on acceptance and commitment therapy, which helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when feelings are hard. Cognitive behavioral techniques provide concrete strategies to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and are often mixed in when practical tools are needed.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and will try different methods to see what fits best. That collaboration helps shape the focus and the exercises used between sessions.

    Confirm the exact session formats before booking so you know what will be available. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule appointments and fit work on coping skills into a busy week. It can also allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, or let someone choose whether to use video or phone if they prefer less screen time. Talk with the therapist about what will fit your routine and needs.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD

    Also works with

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageCodependencyDissociationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsGuilt and shamePanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    15+ years

    Listed in

    California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does this therapist commonly help with?

    She works with a range of issues including addictions, trauma and abuse, depression and bipolar, anxiety and stress, ADHD, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and coping with life changes.

    How would you describe her therapeutic style?

    Her style is collaborative and practical. She uses motivational interviewing and clear tools to help people set goals and try small steps between sessions.

    What kind of experience does she bring?

    She has 15 years of professional experience working with diverse concerns and life challenges.

    What are her credentials and where does she practice?

    She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist, practicing in California.

    Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

    Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

    What session formats are offered?

    Confirm current session options before booking to learn which formats are offered for scheduling and participation.

    How is cost handled for sessions?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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