Philosophy

Liza Smith

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

~Anais Nin

Liza Smith, MA is a registered MFT Intern (#58753) working under the supervision of Dr. Vipassana Esbjörn-Hargens (PSY 20879). She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a Transpersonal specialization from John F. Kennedy University and a Bachelor’s degree in Contemplative Psychology and Traditional Eastern Arts from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Liza offers a holistic approach to individual, child, adolescent, and family therapy, striving to honor and include the psychological, cultural, behavioral, and eco-social dimensions of life. She believes that taking all of these into account is essential in supporting her clients to heal, actualize their potentials, and live their unique gifts in the world. Liza’s therapeutic work is largely informed by family systems and developmental theory, as well as Humanistic and Buddhist psychology. She brings expertise in Somatic psychology and expressive arts to her work and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She currently lives in beautiful Sonoma County.

"What now seems to you opaque, you will make transparent with your blazing heart."

~Rainer Maria Rilke

Liza has expertise in the following areas:

Psychological

Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Self-Confidence
Self-Acceptance
Body Issues
Effective Communication
Children
Adolescents
Developmental Milestones
Blended Families
Accessing Creativity
Spiritual Issues

Therapeutic Specialties

Expressive Arts Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Family Systems
Buddhist Psychology

Liza offers a sliding scale fee for psychotherapy.

To contact Liza Smith please call: (707) 889-5934