- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin
- CBT and ACT methods
About David
David Smith is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa with 25 years of professional experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, anger, depression, and life changes. He also addresses family of origin issues and related concerns like attachment, codependency, and communication problems.
He describes his style as practical and action-oriented. Sessions focus on identifying the patterns that keep someone stuck and trying straightforward steps to change thinking and behavior. He treats individuals and couples and draws on several well-known approaches to match the work to the person.
In sessions he helps people name what matters most to them and then tests small changes to see what improves daily life. Conversations cover how family roles and expectations affect current choices, and work on skills for clearer communication and better boundaries. Therapy includes both short-term problem solving and deeper conversations about values and meaning.
His background spans many settings over 25 years, giving him experience with issues such as divorce and separation, addiction concerns, fatherhood questions, aging and geriatric topics, and first responder stress. He uses tools from cognitive behavioral approaches, acceptance and commitment ideas, and relationship-focused work as the situation requires.
People who are tired of repeating the same patterns often find the sessions concrete and direct. He encourages regular feedback so the work stays focused on the client's goals and adjusts methods when needed.
How therapeutic approaches translate to remote sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and to take actions that reflect those values, even when uncomfortable feelings are present. It can be useful for anxiety, avoidance, and making life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression. It often includes practical exercises between sessions. The Gottman Method centers on relationship skills, improving communication, and managing conflict through structured conversation and exercises for couples.Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try approaches that fit those goals, and ask for feedback so methods can be adjusted. That collaboration helps decide whether more skills work, values-focused work, or relationship-focused sessions are best.
The original biography did not specify which online formats are offered. Confirm current session options before booking so you know what to expect. Remote work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow a shorter check-in on a hectic day, or remove travel time for someone juggling family or work. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and Gottman-based exercises to an online setting so the focus stays on practical change and clearer communication.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include family of origin issues, attachment concerns, codependency, and communication problems.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He uses practical, action-focused work that tests small changes in thinking and behavior. The aim is to identify patterns and try steps that help day-to-day functioning.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience working in mental health settings. That background includes work with relationship issues, addiction concerns, and aging-related topics.
Which credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. He also accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.