Therapist, serving California residents

My name is Sheldon Smith, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#134861) in the state of California. I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica. I migrated to the United States with my wife and children in the early 2000s. My desire to fulfill God’s call on my life and working with people led me into the helping profession where I pursued a Bachelors in Theology with a Minor in Guidance Counseling. Subsequently, I pursued a Masters in Divinity with an emphasis in Family Life. I later obtained a Doctorate degree in Family Studies and more recently, a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also have certificates in Anger Management and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.

Professional Experience

I’ve worked with youth, children, families, and adults who faced challenges such as substance use, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grief, sexual orientation issues, and homelessness.  I have worked with adolescent youth and their families, pediatric population, and substance abuse population. In addition to my current employment with Guillaume Marriage and Family Counseling, I work as Clinical Therapist with a local agency serving the older adult population. I am also a professor at the local university where I teach family life and theological courses. Up until 2004, I worked for 7 years in corporate accounting in Jamaica. At one point, I also served as an assistant pastor and bible teacher in Cleveland, Ohio.

Population Served

I work with clients from diverse background, ages, and issues. These include children, youth, parents, couples (dating and married), and the older population. In my work, I help my clients with different issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, communication, forgiveness, trust, parenting, body image, self-esteem, spirituality, parent-child issues, among others. 

Approach to Therapy 

I believe that you have the innate ability and strength to overcome the different challenges in life.  I operate primarily from a therapeutic approach called SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy). This approach views individuals as unique. I collaborate with my clients to identify their resources in resolving challenges that they present in sessions.  I include other therapeutic interventions in working with individuals and families. These include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Family Systems theories.  I believe that human beings are created in God’s image and God has a purpose for our lives. As such, if clients are open to discussing or including Christian beliefs or other spiritual disciplines in therapy, I am open to doing so. 

Hobbies and Activities

In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, cricket, and basketball. I also enjoy spending time with my family (3 children, 1 grandson, and wife of 19 years), vacationing, listening to music, and watching movies. In addition, I serve my local church as an elder and sit on my church’s finance committee. I also serve a non-profit organization in my community as the coordinator of family counseling and outreach..