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Brett Smith

Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships

About

Congratulations!!! You have just taken your first step towards an improved life! When we hurt our finger we are quick to go to the doctor for help, but when we suffer mental health concerns, we often, for many reasons, think we need to take this burden on ourselves. This is unfortunate as many mental health issues are successfully treated on a regular basis. So I congratulate you on your success at taking this first step.

You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventure life should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I’m a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side, and the side of the victim. My interest has been to explore the consequences of trauma, and how it affects our behavior. One of the most surprising things I learned, was how long the symptoms of trauma persist, and how involved they can be in our lives. As a result of this experience, I have worked most of my career assisting clients with personality disorders and trauma symptoms.

My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility. I have post-grad work in Hypnotherapy and am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist utilizing Ericksonian/transformational concepts. My skills are enhanced by my experience in working in emergency departments conducting emergency psychiatric assessments for patients in crisis. This has improved my diagnostic skills and has helped me unravel many difficult cases.

In my personal life, my wife and I like to sail our own sailboat. In our future, we plan to live-aboard and travel the world. In addition to boating, we like to travel and spend time outdoors backpacking and kayaking. we stay active and outdoors as much as possible. My wife is retired from a life in law enforcement, and we both enjoy raising and training dogs. I also have a Youtube channel that has videos about what we talk about. I encourage you all to view them at your leisure, This is the link to my Youtube page:

https://www.youtube.com/@bashleys

It has been a pleasure sharing a little bit about me, and I hope you contact me so, together, we can make life less of an ordeal and more the grand adventure it is supposed to be. I look forward to meeting you!

Specialties
Personality Disorders
Trauma Treatment
Relationships
Anxiety/Depression

Years Experience: 22
Location: California, United States
Accepting New Clients: No
Gender: Male
Accepting international clients: Yes
NPI Number: 1952610529
Credentials: CA LMFT 46410
Languages Spoken: English
Licenses: LMFT (California) #46410 exp 2026-02-28
List of Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression, Addictions, LGBT, Relationship, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating, Sleeping, Parenting, Anger, Career, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Male therapist, Gay, Older, Non-religious, Conservative therapist
Where Can You Work With This Therapist: BetterHelp
Therapist of color: No
Communication options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Brett Smith

Seasoned therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
  • Trauma-informed care
  • DBT and hypnotherapy
  • Combat veteran perspective

Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime

About

Brett Smith is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist who brings 22 years of clinical experience to his work. He holds the license CA LMFT 46410 and focuses on helping people move past obstacles that keep life from feeling like the adventure it should be.

He first entered the counseling field seeking to address his own struggles with PTSD. As a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer, he offers an informed perspective on trauma both from a clinical standpoint and from lived experience. That dual perspective shaped his professional interest in how trauma alters behavior and in the long-lasting ways symptoms can persist.

Most of his career has involved assisting clients with personality disorders and trauma-related symptoms. His clinical approach is direct and practical. He primarily uses dialectical behavior therapy, but adapts methods when a situation calls for a different modality. He also completed postgraduate work in hypnotherapy and is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, applying Ericksonian and transformational techniques in his practice.

Smith’s diagnostic and assessment skills were sharpened by time spent conducting emergency psychiatric assessments in hospital emergency departments, often working with individuals in crisis. That experience has helped him untangle complex cases and refine treatment plans.

Outside of his professional life, he and his wife enjoy sailing their own sailboat and plan to live aboard and travel the world in the future. They like to travel, backpack, and kayak, and they spend as much time outdoors as possible. His wife is retired from a career in law enforcement, and the couple enjoys raising and training dogs. He also produces videos related to his work on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bashleys.

He welcomes contact from people ready to take the next step so they can work together to make life less of an ordeal and more the grand adventure it is meant to be.

Location: California, United States
Years Experience: 22
Gender: Male
Languages Spoken: English
Therapist of Color: No
Communication Options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging
Ready To Start Your Journey?

Therapist Available Through: BetterHelp
Currently Accepting New Clients: No
Accepting International Clients: Yes

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: CA LMFT 46410
  • NPI Number: 1952610529
  • License: LMFT (California) #46410 exp 2026-02-28

Is Online Therapy the Right Choice for Your Mental Health Journey?

Many people wonder whether remote therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions. A major benefit of remote care is flexibility. Clients can connect in the format that fits their life best – video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging – which makes it easier to attend sessions consistently. Licensed professionals provide treatment online, and if someone feels they need a different fit they can change therapists at any time. For many people, the combination of proven effectiveness and practical convenience makes online therapy a useful option to consider.

How much experience does Brett Smith have?

Brett Smith has 22 years of experience providing therapy services.

Is Brett Smith a licensed therapist?

Yes. Brett Smith is licensed in California as a marriage and family therapist (CA LMFT 46410).

In which languages does Brett Smith provide therapy?

Brett Smith conducts therapy in English.

Where is Brett Smith located?

Brett Smith is located in California.

How can I work with Brett Smith as my therapist?

You can work with Brett Smith by Phone, Video, Live Chat, or Messaging.

Does Brett Smith work with international clients?

Yes, Brett Smith does work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Brett Smith cost?

The cost of therapy can vary based on factors like location and availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that may be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is straightforward. Click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a brief questionnaire to help match you with Brett Smith. Depending on his availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

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