Services offered
Video
Messaging
Marcella Smithson, LMFT
Stress, Anxiety
Relationships
Trauma, Abuse
Self esteem, Motivation
Depression
Video
Messaging
About me
There are times when we need to explore some growth & healing work. Thankfully the ability to grow & heal is built into our human-nature, a nature that comes alive when receiving the support we need. Therapy is for receiving this support, and in a way that fits with you. And so I trust in this: Creating in your own expressive way a better life is what I know you are able—and meant—to do. Supporting you in discovering this for yourself will be a heartfelt privilege for me.
I am trauma-attachment focused and informed. I am trained in EMDR by Curtis C. Rouanzoin,Ph.D. under EMDR Institute, Inc., EMDRIA; Couples - Trained by Susan Johnson, PhD, Emotion-Focused Therapy. I am a certified mindfulness teacher (by Tibet House & Dharma Moon).
I am experienced in the field of mental health with over 15 years experience at the public health level, and on the front lines as a therapist. I am trained in evidenced-based techniques. My approach: Unconditional Positive Regard, Humanist, Trauma-attachment focused informed care. You Can Expect From Me: Honesty, Empathy, and an Ally.
Professional experience
7 yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety
Relationships
Trauma, Abuse
Self esteem, Motivation
Depression
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy
License information
CA LMFT 111164
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Marcella Smithson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I am entering this review at 5:00am after not sleeping all night. I answered a few questions incorrectly with Strongly disagree instead of Greatly Agree. I have no negative feelings toward Marcella. She is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and helpful therapist. I greatly appreciate her help and will continue with her.
Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Marcella for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Marcella is a great listener and very knowledgeable about Mental Health. I plan to continue to talk with her. After two appointments she really gave me a lot to think about and different ways of therapy to consider. Very happy to randomly get paired with her!
Written on Aug 31, 2022 after therapy with Marcella for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I’m enjoying my sessions with Marcella. She is very sweet and understanding.
Written on Aug 06, 2022 after therapy with Marcella for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Marcella is patient and understand, but also honest. She uses her outside yet professional perspective to offer advice and strategies to cope you through. Additionally, she provides homework to complete on your own time to help you be accountable and serious about making the change you are striving towards!
Written on Jul 27, 2022 after therapy with Marcella for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Marcella listened, provided great advice, and taught me valuable skills to independently think through my problems and make decisions that are right for me
Written on May 04, 2022 after therapy with Marcella for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and coping with life changes
First session went great. I felt comfortable talking to her and the great tips she has provided to me.
Written on Apr 21, 2022 after therapy with Marcella for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and sleeping disorders