(805) 882-2400 ext. 306
jsmith@ftisb.org
Education, Professional Training & Publications
B.A. in Psychology, California State Northridge
M.A.in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (State of CA 153882) Under Supervision
Certified Life and Business Coach, ACC, (ICF)
Treatment Philosophy & Approach
I offer a warm, collaborative presence and an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from family systems, somatic practices, cognitive behavioral therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I work with individuals, families, teens, and children navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth. My style blends evidence-based tools with a deep curiosity about the inner world. Together, we set meaningful goals and explore new ways of relating, to yourself and to others.
Professional & Volunteer Experience
Jennifer’s clinical experience includes work at Noah’s Anchorage Youth Shelter, the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Center, and Cottage Hospital’s Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine department. She also served in a spiritual leadership role at Unity of Santa Barbara and worked as the Regional Consultant for Unity’s Southwest Region.
In addition to her therapy and spiritual work, Jennifer is a certified professional life and business coach through the International Coaching Federation. Her coaching background brings a strategic, strengths-based lens to her therapy practice, supporting insight, clarity, and forward momentum.
Jennifer has also enjoyed giving back to her community through her role as Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Unity of Santa Barbara, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader in Santa Barbara, and fostering kittens through ASAP.
Specialties & Areas of Expertise
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with a diverse range of clients, including teens, adults, couples, and families, helping them navigate the inevitable transitions and challenges of life. These may include anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting struggles, family dynamics, identity exploration, career shifts, boundary-setting, and big life changes like divorce or launching kids.
My approach is to support clients in gaining clarity, creating change, and letting go of what no longer serves them so that they can move forward with greater ease, self-compassion, and purpose. Whether we’re strengthening boundaries or untangling stuck patterns, I meet each person with curiosity and respect for their unique process.
Personal Life
Alongside her clinical training, Jennifer brings lived experience navigating co-parenting and blended family life, offering clients empathy, insight, and real-world understanding. A self-proclaimed truth-seeker, she’s passionate about personal growth and lifelong learning.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys running, anything ocean-related, and spending quality time with family and friends.