- Stress and anxiety
- Self esteem work
- Depression support
About Megan
Megan Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 33 years of professional experience. She helps people who are carrying guilt and shame, and she also works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes.
Megan emphasizes that clients are the experts in their own stories. She listens for strengths people already have and builds from those strengths. Sessions focus on clear, practical steps rather than labels or jargon. Conversations are paced to match what each person can handle at the time.
Her work often centers on relationship patterns and attachment concerns, including themes of abandonment, codependency, commitment and communication problems. She also addresses struggles around body image, blended family stresses, caregiver strain, and isolation. Guilt, shame, and forgiveness are named topics she routinely talks about with clients.
Megan uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and keeps the work straightforward. She helps people notice unhelpful patterns, try different ways of reacting, and practice small changes between sessions. Progress is tracked in simple, concrete ways so people can see what’s shifting.
People who choose her can expect focused sessions that name the issue, set short-term goals, and identify the next steps. She invites clients to discuss what they hope to change and to test new approaches in the safety of a counseling conversation.
Evidence-based approaches and online care
Many evidence-based therapeutic techniques focus on noticing patterns and practicing different responses. One common approach emphasizes recognizing where old attachment or abandonment patterns show up in relationships and then experimenting with clearer communication and boundaries to change those patterns. This helps people who feel stuck in repeated relationship conflicts or who struggle with trust and closeness.Another practical approach targets mood and anxiety by breaking problems into small, manageable steps. It teaches simple behavioral changes and short exercises to try between sessions, which can reduce overwhelm and build confidence over time. That approach is useful for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem linked to guilt or shame.
Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to choose methods that fit their goals and preferences, and to adjust tactics as needed. Clients are invited to give feedback and to try different strategies until something feels useful.
The original biography does not specify which session formats are offered. Please confirm the current online session options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into daily life, support shorter check-in meetings when needed, and remove travel time so people can schedule sessions around work or caregiving responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, plus concerns such as abandonment, attachment, codependency, and guilt and shame.
How would she approach shame or guilt in sessions?
She uses straightforward, evidence-based techniques that focus on recognizing patterns, testing new responses, and setting small, achievable steps between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
Megan has 33 years of professional experience working with adults on relationship and mood concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - and practices in California.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.