Dr. Aaron Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 30696) in Los Angeles who is passionate about working with athletes who are motivated to excel in multiple domains of their lives. In addition to providing assistance for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders, Dr. Aaron also collaborates with individuals to facilitate mental, emotional and physical congruence—resulting in a state of optimal performance.
As a member of the Association for Applied Sports Psychology, Dr. Aaron empowers athletes to enhance their lives through increased self-awareness and relational support with regard to teammates, coaches, media, family and peers. Dr. Aaron’s approach to therapy is strength-based and inter-personally informed. Furthermore, he believes support is most effectively cultivated through a relationship that promotes safety, compassion and respect. Clinically, Dr. Aaron draws from a range of therapeutic techniques including Biofeedback, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.
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Dr. Aaron received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology through the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Master’s degree in Counseling from
Michigan State University. Dr. Aaron has also received specialized training in Health Psychology, along with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. His previous clinical experience includes working in various hospital and psychiatric settings—including Tarzana Treatment Centers, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, American Family Children’s Hospital, and Wisconsin Psychiatric Institute and Clinics.
Dr. Aaron’s interest in Sports and Performance Psychology stems from his personal journey of recovery after rupturing his Achille’s tendon, while playing basketball. It was during his own healing process that he developed a greater appreciation for ways in which injury could significantly impact a person’s life—physically, mentally and emotionally. As a result, through dedicated training, Dr. Aaron has cultivated unique insight into how biological, psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical functioning and overall wellness (e.g., chronic pain and stress management, performance anxiety, depression, life transitions and relationships).