Smitha Kashi, PsyD

What is your philosophy in psychotherapy?

I believe that psychotherapy should feel supportive and collaborative. It believe it is essential for therapy to work towards his client’s specific goals, and that the process should feel like we are working as a team.

What approaches do you use to help your clients?

I use an integrative approach of psychodynamic, cognitive, and positive psychologies to help clients decrease distress and suffering while increasing personal fulfillment and happiness. I believe therapy should not only consider how our past informs our present-day experiences, but also how our hopes for the future can be brought into reach

What are your areas of expertise and clients you work well with?

I have had the pleasure of working with an incredible range of clients from across the globe. I have worked with many different clinical presentations, including trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community and BIPOC clients. I have also worked with many creative professionals who are struggling in their career.

What’s your therapeutic style with your clients?

As your therapist, I want to make sure you feel heard and understood. For me, a trusting relationship that is always working in the client’s best interests is essential. From there, I aim to work closely with my clients to frame an understanding of their past experiences while also developing helpful and empowering strategies for the future.

What languages do you speak?

English.

Past Experience and Education

Smitha Kashi is a clinical psychology intern who has experience in various settings. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Merced, and a doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the University of San Francisco.

During Smitha's practicum experience, she gained knowledge through working with a diverse population experiencing a wide range of mental health, adversity, access to resources, and stigma. Smitha has worked in the intensive outpatient (IOP) unit at Kaiser and in a variety of school settings. This experience has allowed her to provide culturally focused treatment and interventions suited for each individual. During her internship she had the pleasure of working with adults of all ages and with many different presenting concerns. Furthermore, she ran a DBT group for a year.

Supervised by Dr. Ashli Ellis, Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY31120