Joyce E Smith, MA, LMFT * 323 333-4467 * PTSD & TraumaSpecialist
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My
Background
I come from a creative background of working individually with adults, adolescents and children as a private piano teacher for over 33 years. A key to what made my piano practice successful was my ability to tune into each individual, discovering and nurturing unique strengths while promoting the greatest sense of accomplishment. For over 15 years I’ve used these same skills to successfully connect with my therapy clients. I believe one of the most important elements in a successful therapeutic relationship is establishing a deep sense of trust in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment to nurture the healing process.
I am a certified EMDR practitioner (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - for info on EMDR click here). In addition I am certified in Havening Techniques© (for more info on Havening Techniques© click here) and certified in TRM, a somatic based therapy (Trauma Resiliency Model - for more info on TRM click here). These three methods complement and balance each other beautifully. Having healed my own Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) with these three modalities, I understand this process from the inside out and am a firm believer in their healing abilities. The combination of these three methods seem to help heal trauma and old wounds unlike anything else. Many people (including myself) have described this as “the missing link” in their healing process. My greatest joy is seeing clients become empowered again.
I have run a psychoeducational group at an inpatient addiction facility. The focus of the group was to show the correlation between trauma and addiction. I firmly believe that at the root of virtually all addictions is unresolved trauma, as well as insecure attachment - caused by growing up in an unstable environment. Click here to see a chart I devised which describes the emotional cycle of trauma and addiction, and how an insecure attachment can exacerbate this condition.
Prior to becoming licensed and starting my therapy private practice, I interned at The Free Clinic of Simi Valley (www.freeclinicsv.com). During my two years at the Clinic, I was trained extensively in Expressive Arts Therapy, Sand Play Therapy and Child Centered Play Therapy. I have worked with adults, adolescents, children and couples, all with diverse backgrounds. focusing on issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, PTSD, rape, divorce and addiction. Previous to my interning at the Clinic, I interned at Cheerful Helpers (www.cheerfulhelpers.org). At Cheerful Helpers, in addition to working therapeutically with preschoolers with high-functioning autism, Aspergers, attachment disorders, developmental delays, processing learning and emotional difficulties, I also ran a therapeutic music program. My initial traineeship was at two different school based programs through CalFam (California Family Counseling Center), working individually with elementary aged children as well as running divorce and social skills groups.
I am a native of Los Angeles (third generation!) and am happily married with three children. I love music, art, theater, gourmet cooking, jewelry making, creating stained glass and traveling. I am also a proud member of the Angel City Chorale.
Call 323 333-4462
Complimentary initial 20 minute phone consultation
JoyceESmithMFT@gmail.com
Complimentary initial 20 minute phone consultation
JoyceESmithMFT@gmail.com