Jeffrey Smith, MFT, AC
Expecting the Best from Life!
Strategic Counseling
Understanding who I am, why I think, feel and behave the way I do - learning to change how I think, and change the rest of my life ahead - its time to get moving in this direction!
Your life expectations - are they realistic? Are they based on faith, hope and love, sound principals, practical lifestyle, safe people and adequate self-care? Do you attract healthy people into your life? Can you identify healthy and safe people from those who are not?
I look forward to hearing from you and making the rest of your life the best part!
Education/Training
Psy.D. Candidate, Ryokan College, Los Angeles, Expected completion: Dec 2011
M.A., Counseling Psychology, National University, San Diego, 1994, “With Distinction”
B.A., Behavioral Science, National University, San Diego, 1987, Magna cum Laude
A.A., General Subjects, National University, San Diego, 1984
Bringing twenty years of full-time experience and combining the best practices in neural science, military strategy, human behavior, philosophy and theology, Jeff’s Strategic Counseling Model provides the structural framework to guide you through the difficult process of change. Jeff’s approach toward healthy change carefully balances a progressive and strategic format while still maintaining the sensitivities needed for healing in a client centered approach. The Strategic Counseling Model is built from the ground up on a five-tiered model for generating motion, creating action and thus generating healthy change. The five tiers are neural (brain) science, attachment theory (intimacy), emotional trauma recovery (of PTSD using EMDR), spiritual awareness and physical health (self-care).
Concurrently, Fifteen years’ experience in designing and coordinating complex wargames for the U.S. Military. One year experience as an education enhancement consultant for major U.S. military training command. Six years experience reading and evaluating brain images (SPECT Scans). Two years experience training other licensed therapists how to use brain imaging in their practices. Five years’ experience as a performance enhancement specialist for professionals and performers. Two years counseling experience in a family services clinic serving the military community in North San Diego County. One year counseling experience in a locked military mental health facility. Twenty-one years of honorable military service. One-year experience as college instructor, teaching psychology classes.
Bio
Jeff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT). His Vista, California practice focuses on marriage, family, and child counseling. He also practices in Sorrento Valley and Encinitas where he treats members of the local community, conducts training sessions and seminars for men’s groups, pastors and other’s interested in healthy life-long learning. Concurrently, Jeff leads the Strategic Recovery Institute which is a non-profit organization working to resolve chronic homelessness. He specializes in the area of Performance Enhancement strategies for athletes, business professionals, members of the U.S. Military and other performers. Additionally he specialized in using Brain imaging technology in the treatment of Substance Abuse, High-Risk Behaviors, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sexual Addiction, Men's Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Incest, Co-Dependency and Treating ADHD. Additionally, Jeff enjoys working with couples by helping them build or rebuild connection, trust and intimacy. Jeff developed and co-led a monthly consortium style men’s group with his senior pastor called “Keeping It Real”. This blended approach of Science and Theology is aimed at a group that is comprised of men from various churches around San Diego County. The group is oriented toward developing relational intimacy in committed relationships and avoiding the temptations of self-medication from substances, addictions and acting out styles of behavior. Jeff served his country with 21 years of honorable and dedicated service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jeff is an avid fitness and nutrition expert and regularly engages in extreme sports activities for healthy recreation. He has been married to his high-school sweet heart, Marie for 27 years. They reside in Oceanside, California raising the last one of their 4 children.
Memberships
California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Marriage & Family Therapist)
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapist
California Board of Psychology, California Psychological Association
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA).
Jeff provides assessment & evaluations of SPECT Scan Brain Imaging
Payments Accepted
Fee for service & Tricare
Hours:9am to 8pm
License:36687
Helpful Links
 The tapping solution (EFT):
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Amen Clinics Brain Imiging:
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San Diego Trauma Therapy:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Men's Issues
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Divorce
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Stress Management
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Grief and Loss
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Trauma and PTSD
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Learning Disabilities
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Women's Issues
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Life Transitions
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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EMDR Approved Consultant (EMDRIA)
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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