Description
Clinical consultation is different than clinical supervision. I am not evaluating or training the clinicians who choose to work with me, instead I am providing an additional perspective or specific expertise on clinical work and private practice psychotherapy. The Early Career Consultation group is a small (4-6) people group that focuses on the experiences of clinicians like working with patients, conceptualizing cases, countertransference, and the unique personal and professional challenges of being a psychotherapist.
Clinically, I have expertise (aka “scope of competence”) in psychotherapy with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, psychodynamic approaches to working with trans and gender expansive folks, the treatment of chronic and acute suicidality, teletherapy, and depth-oriented psychotherapy (dreams, creative expression, etc.). I incorporate principles of intersectional feminism, anti-racism, anti-fascism, and abolitionism into my work.
My previous career as a human resources consultant has given me unique perspective on the business of psychotherapy, particularly private practice. When I coached C-level executives, I focused on what made them valuable in their field and business partnerships. I provide the same focus to clinicians: What is your way of being in business? How do you retain your clinical self while building a sustainable practice? I provide consultation about the nuances of building and maintaining a private practice that typical “boot camps” or seminars lack.
Group Therapist
Dr. Katherine W. Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Smith provides therapy to adults (18+), couples, and groups. At this time, due to COVID-19 safety concerns, Dr. Smith offers teletherapy: over the phone and via for secure video conferencing. Her office is located on South Beverly Drive between Olympic and Pico and her availability is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Dr. Smith works psychodynamically and views psychotherapy as a collaborative process during which, together, you will find that best way of working in order to root out the causes of what holds you back from being your most authentic self. She believes that it is the relationship between the two of you that is transformative and that it takes time to establish a strong relationship built on trust and vulnerability.
Dr. Smith works well with people who struggle with feelings of belonging – outsiders and loveable weirdos -- creative people who are suffering with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Dr. Smith specializes in working with people who have experienced developmental and sexual trauma, with an emphasis on healing and returning to your self. She's also experienced in working with LGBTQ folx, BIPOC, people of mixed descent, and addressing the unique issues that you face in a culture that often pathologizes your experiences. Dr. Smith thinks our culture asks people to give up too much of ourselves and, in every way that is possible, she wants to help you become the person that you've always known you are.
If you choose to reach out, Dr. Smith looks forward to meeting you and discovering how you will work together.
