Jari Lynn Smith, MA, LMFT - Relationship, Mood & Loss Issues

of Los Angeles. Before becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I was a professional dancer in ballet companies, on Broadway and TV. My professional life also included the position of Advertising Manager of Student Publications at USC which involved supervising an advertising internship. As disparate as these experiences may seem, they have at their core an understanding of human nature, leadership skills, focus , determination and a willingness to take risks. Eventually, I had to accept the fact that a parent can outlive their child, that the present is precious and that my inner compass was capable of change. It is not surprising, therefore, that grief and loss issues are central to my practice as a psychotherapist. Losses are varied, complex, painful and a part of the human condition. Death of a loved one or divorce are obvious losses. Less obvious is the loss of childhood due to abuse, neglect or abandonment which can affect the quality of adult relationships or the ability to navigate them successfully. The restricted lives of those suffering depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD and bipolar disorder also have loss at their core. My reputation as a therapist is based on my effective treatment of the above. People can live in the vicinity of their wounds for years. As a psychotherapist I help clients move beyond their discomfort and discover strengths and potential that lead them to a stronger sense of self and well-being. Change in the present draws the future to us in unimaginable ways. We find courage, we conquer fear, we develop new ways of being in the world and we discover peace of mind. As clients enact positive changes in their lives, I am blessed with change as well. This is a paradox, and in the larger view of endless possibilities, it's the joy I find in being a therapist.