Katherine

Dr Katherine Smith, PsyD

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist dedicated to providing quality, long-term talk therapy to the diverse people of Los Angeles.”

About Me

I offer psychodynamic talk therapy, providing a dedicated space for individuals to explore their inner world. This approach helps clients from Los Angeles’ diverse communities unravel past experiences. We explore how these influence present challenges, fostering deep self-awareness. Through our quality, collaborative conversations, you can understand yourself more fully and create lasting change.

Approach

Long-term, reflective work unfolds at a measured pace, attending to patterns that emerge between history and present feeling and inviting curiosity about dreams and difficult moments. I meet people in a Beverly Hills office, working in English, and also offer secure online sessions for those who need flexibility.
Contact Katherine

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person

Services

Sessions move between careful listening, gentle interpretive questions and collaborative experiments to test new ways of relating; "homework" can include noticing dreams or interactions outside therapy. This way of working often fits adults and couples seeking sustained, thoughtful exploration.

Services Offered:

  • Consultation

    An initial meeting with a therapist to discuss concerns, ask questions, and determine whether they are the right fit.

  • Dream Analysis

    A technique that explores the themes, symbols, and emotions in dreams to uncover unconscious thoughts and unresolved feelings.

    Learn more about Dream Analysis
  • Group Therapy

    Therapy conducted with a small group of people who share similar concerns, using peer interaction and diverse perspectives as part of the healing process.

    Learn more about Group Therapy
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Groups
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Suicidal Thoughts

    Thoughts about ending one's own life, ranging from passive wishes to active plans. This is a sign of severe emotional distress that requires professional support.

    Learn more about Suicidal Thoughts
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • Women's Issues

    Psychological challenges more commonly experienced by women, including gender-based stress, reproductive health concerns, body image, caregiving burden, and societal expectations.

  • Young Adult Issues

    The unique psychological challenges of emerging adulthood (18–25), including identity formation, independence, relationship navigation, and finding direction.

    Learn more about Young Adult Issues

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Credentials

Registrations

California Board of Behavioral Sciences

LMFT

Qualifications

Doctor of Psychology

Pacifica Graduate Institute

Year: 2018

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Antioch University

Year: 2013

Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program

The Wright Institute (Los Angeles)

Year: 2019

Service Areas

TherapySmith, Inc.

In-person

Beverly Hills, California

United States