Profile / United States
Alia Smith, LMFT
California
LMFT in California - addictions and trauma
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Addictions and recovery
- Trauma and PTSD
About Alia
Alia Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 15 years of professional experience. She helps people who are coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation and self-esteem, and major life changes. Her work also covers anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, ADHD, stress, and relationship difficulties.
She uses clear, practical methods rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and related approaches. Sessions focus on noticing unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of responding. Alia encourages small, concrete steps that can change daily patterns and reduce overwhelm.
Her background includes long-term practice with diverse concerns such as addiction, eating and food-related issues, dissociation, and post-traumatic stress. She also addresses struggles with abandonment, body image, codependency, guilt and shame, and family problems. This range gives her many ways to approach a problem depending on what the person needs.
In a session she talks through current difficulties, identifies patterns that keep problems going, and practices different responses. Techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered Therapy are used when they fit the work. The focus is on skills people can use between sessions.
Alia works in English and practices in California. People who want to start can expect straightforward steps for scheduling and an initial conversation about goals and what approach will be most useful.
How CBT and related methods translate to online work
Alia commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought patterns that increase anxiety or low mood and to practice concrete behavior changes. ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is also used to help people notice what matters to them and take small committed steps toward those values. Client-Centered Therapy provides a listening, collaborative stance where the person’s goals guide the pace and focus of sessions.Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps. This is a collaborative process where techniques are chosen to match a person’s needs and preferences.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online session options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days. They can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a work break, or let someone choose not to use video if that is more comfortable. Ask about the exact session formats offered when you schedule.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She helps people with addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, coping with life changes, ADHD, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, and depression.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
She uses CBT to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test different responses. The work emphasizes practical exercises to change daily habits.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional work experience as a practicing therapist.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LMFT licensed in California and sees clients based in that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.