Hi, I’m Sandy Smith (or Dr. Sandy). I have enjoyed working with people from all walks of life as they encounter challenges or roadblocks to finding joy and satisfaction in their lives, relationships and/or circumstances. I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in Utah and California. I bring over 20 years of experience in counseling, coaching, and teaching college at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. I have worked in a variety of settings including family and trauma centered agencies, hospitals, (including a crisis team, emergency departments, maternity, labor and delivery, and NICU), and also have spent many years working in a prison as a primary clinician for inmates with moderate to severe mental health issues and with a variety of levels of criminal history. I have been fortunate in being able to bring my expertise to any and all situations and recognize how finding joy in our relationships with others, as well as at work and home, can so greatly impact our overall joy in life. Relationships can be so wonderful! But, they can also be the source of pain and self-sacrifice. For this reason we can say that these are some of the times we grow the most in life as we learn to balance our own needs with the needs of others. Early on , I worked for our state’s Governor’s Commission on Marriage heading a focus group where we researched helpful marriage and relationship enrichment programs. Foundational to success is communication and understanding. I was fortunate to have been mentored by experts in the field. I have enjoyed witnessing the growth and success of many people and couples more successfully navigate their significant relationships. I take a holistic approach, looking at all of the possible pieces to the puzzle of life and it’s many kinds of relationships. This means taking into consideration all of the things that can and do affect a person or a relationship’s integrity and happiness, such as their history, personal and relational, their physical, social, spiritual, financial, mental and emotional experiences, challenges and needs. I have also been able to help many people with either current or previous physical trauma and/or emotional abuse and work with partners in relationships with someone with an abuse or trauma history. I’d love to be part of your journey. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating all people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I dislike judging and labels. I always want to understand your specific concerns and allow you to guide treatment to meet your unique and specific needs. Thank you for considering seeking support – it’s an important step for your life, even if it isn’t an easy one!