Musician Porsche Smith channels tumult into her strongest work at new venue.

Porsche Smith’s third full-length record, Therapy, is more than an autobiographical account of substance use and an abusive boyfriend. It’s part of an ongoing, self-healing process fueled by positive self-affirmations, all soaked in Smith’s original take on neo-soul.

“You were born to fly, take off soar high/ Open your eyes, 'cause baby your were born to fly,” Smith smoothly croons on the album opener “Touch the Sky” alongside a funky guitar riff with sounds that evoke both Babyface and The Brand New Heavies.

Smith describes the three-plus years she spent performing on luxurious cruise ships as a blessing and a curse: The Bay Area native took refuge in spending three months at a time away from this guy on opposite sides of the world, but distance didn’t mend emotional wounds, and she self-medicated.

“It’s very easy to be a functional alcoholic while working on a cruise line,” Smith admits. “There were a lot of mental scars and I had a lot of anxiety.”

It was difficult, but Smith knew she needed professional help – coincidentally, she began intensive therapy at the same time she started working on the record.

“I didn’t have the music on my mind as a way of catharsis at the time,” she explains. “But music became a way to process all the trauma I had been through.”

A warm, world-music vibe imbues the opening of the seven-minute album bookend “For Me/The Metamorphosis.” It also channels her whirlwind musical influences – from hip-hop to Jill Scott’s neo-soul to the gospel melodies that were ingrained in Smith when she was a kid.

“The album is also about the things you discover in therapy and the beautiful transformation that happens afterward,” Smith explains. “There’s been so much personal growth and wellness since [the abuse] that you’d think I was a different person.”

Smith describes her current tour as “The Therapy Sessions,” something more than a platform to showcase her music.

“It’s a dialogue and conversation about serious life experiences,” she says.

Listeners can catch Smith’s multifaceted solo show, featuring mostly covers and top 40 tunes, Saturdays at one of Monterey’s newest spots for live music, the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa Lounge. Longtime local favorites Lee Durley and Joe Indence perform Friday nights.

PORSCHE SMITH 6-10pm Saturdays. The Lounge at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free. 920-6710.