Tim Smyth

I am Tim Smyth. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am a seasoned practitioner of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with 35 years of experience working with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and their families across various mental health and community settings. I specialize in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders.

My approach

I help people explore the relationships between their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. I actively address thinking errors such as cognitive distortions and work towards the adoption of more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving with the belief that this can also result in changes in feelings.

My focus

I work with nearly all ages; primarily between ages 10 and 80. I typically work with people from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic strata. I have been under a wide range of conditions but tend to avoid dealing with court referrals.

My communication style

I am respectfully direct in my communication with clients. I specialize in communication dynamics in relationships. I employ and teach active listening; avoiding the use of “big words” like “always”, “never”; and ongoing validation, to name a few common approaches.

My journey to mental healthcare

Before becoming a therapist I was a budding caregiver. As a child I wanted to help animals by becoming a Veterinarian. In later years I wanted to become a Physician, and for a variety of reasons, inclusive of my aversion to copious amounts of blood or bodily fluids, I became a therapist. My professional journey has been long and instructive. My experience in the film industry has given me much insight into the creative and technical aspects of the entertainment trades. Not least of which, the stresses and joys of such work. I know how long days, tight production schedules, and contract disputes can suck some of the joy out of being part of something really big. I have worked in a number of well-known residential placements and community mental health centers. As a supervisor of interns and licensed staff, I have been a mentor and guide for many who have become skilled and compassionate caregivers. I have provided counseling and coaching services to a wide variety of individuals who seek to tweak their career or address relationship, marital, parenting, or lifespan challenges.

My goals for you

From first contact to last, I encourage clients to explore areas of improvement with a focus on expected or hoped-for changes in outcomes. This is followed by establishing the milestones/objectives that can lead to achievement of larger goals. I help people set achievable and measurable objectives in order to see progress more clearly.

My first session with you

Introduction, setting environment (room temp. refreshments), describing laws and ethical guidelines; informed consent. Describe session logistics: session length, payment procedures, communications. Call attention to my License verification (mounted for display). Encourage new client to ask questions about my background and qualifications. Begin clinical interview.