- Relationship focus
- Trauma-aware
- Codependency support
About Jillian
Jillian Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California with 10 years of clinical experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Jillian aims to make the first steps toward change feel manageable and supported.
Her sessions focus on creating an open, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through painful thoughts and feelings. She encourages practical steps people can try between sessions and works at the pace each person needs. Jillian emphasizes clarity and empathy in conversations so clients feel heard and understood.
Over a decade of practice has given her exposure to many concerns that often come together, such as abandonment, attachment issues, codependency, and difficulties with intimacy or commitment. She also addresses caregiving stress, blended family dynamics, and aspects of identity and sexual expression like BDSM and kink when they are relevant to a person's concerns.
Jillian has experience supporting people who face dissociation, depressive episodes, and mood regulation challenges including disruptive mood dysregulation. She also brings awareness to neurodiversity issues such as autism and Asperger syndrome when they affect relationships and daily coping.
Her approach is straightforward and collaborative. She helps people identify patterns that cause pain, try new ways of responding, and build confidence to make lasting changes.
How evidence-based approaches can help online
Jillian uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on understanding patterns and teaching practical skills. One common approach helps people notice and change unhelpful relationship patterns, which can reduce codependency and improve boundaries. Another focuses on managing anxiety and stress through step-by-step skills for emotion regulation and grounding when memories or strong feelings arise. Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will collaborate with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That means checking in about what helps, adjusting methods when needed, and combining strategies so the plan fits the person rather than forcing a single formula. Online therapy can make it easier to fit treatment into a busy life, such as allowing sessions during work breaks or from home without travel. It can also let people connect with a licensed professional from their region when scheduling is the main barrier. Because session formats are not specified here, confirm the available session options before booking to ensure they match personal needs and daily routines.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Additional areas include codependency, attachment and abandonment issues, caregiving stress, and related concerns.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is open and direct, aiming for a safe, nonjudgmental conversation. She helps people talk through feelings and try practical steps between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has 10 years of professional work experience helping people with a range of emotional and relationship challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds the credential LMFT, licensed in California. Her practice is based in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees handled or billed?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.