Dr. Sandra Smith

Dr. Sandra Smith, often called Dr. Sandy, is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 24 years of experience. She is licensed in Utah and California and holds a Utah LCSW license number 103299-3501. Her background includes counseling, coaching, and teaching at both graduate and undergraduate college levels.

Dr. Smith has practiced in a wide range of settings, including family- and trauma-centered agencies and hospitals. Her hospital work has included positions on a crisis team and in emergency departments, as well as work in maternity, labor and delivery, and the NICU. She also spent many years working inside a prison as the primary clinician for inmates with moderate to severe mental health issues and with a variety of criminal histories.

Early in her career she worked with the state Governor’s Commission on Marriage, where she led a focus group researching marriage and relationship enrichment programs. Those experiences, along with mentorship from experts in the field, shaped her focus on communication and mutual understanding as foundational to relationship success.

Dr. Smith takes a holistic approach to therapy, considering the full context of a person’s life. She looks at personal and relational history as well as physical, social, spiritual, financial, mental, and emotional factors that can influence well-being. She has supported many people coping with current or past physical trauma and emotional abuse, and she works with partners whose relationships are affected by a history of trauma or abuse.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive. She seeks to treat people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, avoiding judgment and labels, and she encourages clients to guide treatment so it fits their unique needs. Dr. Smith values the opportunity to be part of a person’s journey toward greater satisfaction and joy, and she thanks those considering support for taking that important step.