Therapists in 90023
Vilka Jasmin Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Hello, my name is Dr. V. Jasmin Smith, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I hold a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. I am based in Southern California, and I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders using various modalities such as play therapy, positive psychology, talk and exposure therapy, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavior therapy, and other integration techniques such as visual arts and music.
Hello, my name is Dr. V. Jasmin Smith, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I hold a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. I am based in Southern California, and I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders using various modalities such as play therapy, positive psychology, talk and exposure therapy, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavior therapy, and other integration techniques such as visual arts and music.
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Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.