Hi! I’m Hilary Smiley, a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #165453) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #23563) in California. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and I’m passionate about creating a therapeutic space where people feel safe being their whole, imperfect selves.

My approach to therapy is rooted in curiosity, compassion, humor, and the belief that people are more than their worst moments. I’m especially interested in understanding *why* we do what we do, including the unconscious patterns, relationships, and experiences that shape how we see ourselves and others. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), person-centered therapy, and relational approaches to help clients develop self-awareness, build resilience, and make choices that align with their values.

**LGBTQ+ Affirming Care**

I am committed to providing LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental therapy. I believe everyone deserves a space where their identity is respected, their experiences are taken seriously, and they never have to justify who they are or whom they love.

I welcome LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families navigating concerns such as:

– Sexual orientation, gender identity, and self-acceptance
– Coming out and navigating family or societal expectations
– Relationships, dating, intimacy, and communication
– Anxiety, depression, shame, and self-esteem
– Identity exploration and major life transitions
– Grief, loss, and complicated family dynamics
– Intercultural, interracial, and interfaith relationships
– Building boundaries, confidence, and authentic connections

My work is grounded in the understanding that identity is multifaceted. Our cultural backgrounds, family systems, relationships, and lived experiences all influence how we move through the world. I strive to approach these intersections with cultural humility, openness, and a willingness to keep learning.

**My Background & Clinical Interests**

Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in the entertainment industry, an experience that gave me a unique perspective on creativity, identity, high-pressure environments, and the challenges of finding balance in demanding careers.

My clinical experience also includes working with older adults experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, supporting family caregivers, and working with children and adolescents. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the ways relationships, grief, identity, and life transitions influence our emotional well-being.

I have particular interests in working with couples, new parents, men navigating anxiety or motivation, individuals experiencing suicide or pet loss, and people facing fertility challenges. As someone who values Jewish cultural identity and has personal experience with intercultural family dynamics, I also welcome clients seeking a therapist who appreciates the importance of cultural belonging and navigating differences within relationships.

**What You Can Expect From Working With Me**

I don’t believe therapy is about fixing people. It’s about understanding ourselves more deeply, recognizing patterns that may no longer serve us, and developing the tools to respond differently.

My style is warm, collaborative, curious, and occasionally humorous. I welcome difficult conversations, complicated feelings, and the parts of ourselves we don’t always feel proud of. I believe meaningful growth happens when we can approach those experiences with both compassion and accountability.

Whether you’re exploring your identity, navigating a relationship, processing grief, or simply trying to understand yourself better, my goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that feels authentically yours.

I provide therapy to clients in California under clinical supervision and welcome individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship backgrounds.