Claudia Smith, LCSW

Claudia Smith is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with 40 years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, and issues around self-esteem and motivation. Claudia emphasizes each person's strengths and respects their own story as the guide for change.

She approaches sessions with a practical and supportive style. Conversations are straightforward and aimed at building skills that help in day-to-day life. Claudia helps people set small, achievable goals and notices progress along the way.

Claudia often uses client-centered methods to tailor sessions to what the person says they need. She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy skills to teach emotional regulation and mindfulness practices to calm the mind. Solution-focused work is used to identify clear steps forward when people feel stuck.

Her background includes long-term clinical work across a range of concerns, including grief, bipolar challenges, family and parenting-related stress, chronic illness and pain, and issues tied to adoption and attachment. This breadth gives her experience with many different life situations.

People who work with Claudia can expect a steady, encouraging presence. She supports people in naming practical actions, building coping tools, and moving toward clearer goals. To begin, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling step helps connect someone with her practice.

Approaches used in online therapy and how they help

Claudia uses client-centered methods that put the person's concerns and goals at the center of each session. This approach means the therapist follows what matters most to the client and adapts conversations and exercises to their priorities.

She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance. These are practical tools for managing strong feelings and reducing impulsive reactions. Mindfulness therapy is used to build present-moment awareness and calm, which can help with anxiety and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Claudia will talk with each person about what they want to change and try methods that fit their needs and preferences. That collaborative process helps shape a clear plan and a sequence of steps to try.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when helpful, and reduce travel time. Therapists can guide skill practice between meetings so progress continues outside sessions.