We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr Teyhou Smyth . Check out our conversation below.
Teyhou , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
That happiness does not lie in a final destination or conditional on achievement, it lies within you and its up to you to compose a life which brings you joy and fulfillment which are both essential factors for happiness
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dr. Teyhou Smyth, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #11450 and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#115137) who uses Emotion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as working from an attachment based perspective. Originally from the United Kingdom, I earned my B.A in Psychology from the University of Southern California and completed an M.A. in Sociology at Goldsmiths College, University of London. I went on to complete a second Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at the California School of Professional Psychology and hold a doctorate degree in Pedagogical Sciences.
I place a high value on personal development and wellness allowing for the achievement of one’s full potential, and believe that everyone is able to access their full potential so that they may become the best version of themselves.
My practice Living with Finesse focuses on self-discovery which can be a challenging process. Through this platform I share weekly articles, podcasts and YouTube videos on various topics that can help people live their best life https://www.livingwithfinesse.com/articles/ I am also a contributor to Thrive Global (by Arianna Huffington) on issues relating to stress and corporate burnout https://thriveglobal.com/authors/teyhou-smyth/. Our culture is becoming more health conscious and deliberate in our efforts to care for our minds and bodies. I help my clients achieve their full potential and improve their well-being through a variety of ways including cognitive behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy and invested in their improvement so that they may become the best version of themselves.
I have also hosted the first ever international conference in London, United Kingdom on Narcissism with Dr. Ramani Durvasula and I am currently working on developing special retreats that help individuals reconnect with themselves.
Most of my colleagues will agree that limitations on insurance coverage creates limitations on improving mental health in America and prevents many from seeking professional help. It seems we are at the mercy of our insurance plans that forces an individual to have to choose between physical health or mental health; although, they are directly linked to each other. The impact of the limited coverage for mental health results in negative outcomes for consumers. Even the highest functioning people can struggle to maintain the self-care necessary for an overall well being. For people with depression, anxiety and other diagnoses, quality of life is negatively impacted in the absence of mental health services.
Living with Finesse is a source where anyone can seek self care, discovery and improvement. It is not only about improving mental well-being but also about going through life equipped with knowledge and increased self-awareness which leads to better cognitive and decision-making skills.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I have been blessed to have incredible mentors and colleagues in my journey in becoming a therapist who aspired me everyday and instilled a sense of legacy within people which I also try to do when working with my trainees and associates in my field.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
That self love and acceptance is not conditional on how much you achieve in this world.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
That I am deeply passionate about humanity and the overall human condition and that I would like to develop more communities where people can connect with each other in authentic and meaningful ways.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely – my natural disposition of empathy and compassion sets me up very well for the work that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livingwithfinesse.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-teyhou-smyth/
