- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- ACT and CBT methods
About David
David Smith is an Iowa-licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 25 years of professional experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, depression, and major life changes. He also addresses concerns such as aging and geriatric issues, attachment and codependency, communication and control problems, and the fallout of divorce or separation.
He favors a practical, action-oriented style that helps people test new ways of thinking and behaving. Sessions typically focus on identifying the obstacles that keep someone stuck and trying out small, manageable steps to shift patterns. He draws on cognitive behavioral tools and acceptance-based strategies while also using client-centered listening to keep the work grounded in each person's priorities.
David describes his approach as collaborative. He checks in regularly about progress and adjusts plans based on feedback. Couples and individuals are invited to compare options and choose what feels most useful at the time rather than following a single method.
His background includes long-term clinical work with people facing addiction, family-of-origin problems, fatherhood challenges, first responder stress, guilt, and issues around forgiveness and emptiness. He integrates relationship-focused techniques, including elements of the Gottman method, when relationship patterns are central to the problem.
People who come to him looking for direction after a change in work, relationships, or health will find straightforward, experience-based guidance. The focus is on practical steps and honest conversation to help clients move forward from feeling stuck.
How David uses ACT and CBT in online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choosing actions that align with what matters. It can help when someone feels directionless after a major life change or is wrestling with emptiness or avoidance.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers concrete exercises to test and change unhelpful patterns. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, and anger by giving clear skills to try between sessions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He treats the choice of method as a collaborative decision based on a person's goals and preferences. Clients and therapist review what helps and adjust the plan together rather than sticking to a single protocol.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week - for example, shorter check-ins can be scheduled around work breaks, or video sessions can be used when face-to-face interaction is preferred. The practical goal is to integrate sessions into everyday life so therapy can focus on making real changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, anger, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues like codependency and family problems.
How would he approach someone who feels stuck?
He uses practical, action-oriented methods that test small behavioral changes and rethink unhelpful thoughts while checking progress with the client.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and relationship issues.
What is his credential and where does he practice?
He is an LMHC licensed in Iowa and practices with that credential held in the state.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered to international clients; sessions are conducted in English.
Which session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.