- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship help
- CBT and ACT
About David
David Smith is an LMHC licensed in Iowa with 25 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationships, anger, depression, and coping with life changes. He also addresses related concerns such as attachment issues, codependency, communication problems, and substance use challenges.
David prefers a straightforward, action-oriented approach. Sessions focus on identifying what is keeping someone stuck and testing practical alternatives. He commonly uses cognitive behavioral ideas alongside acceptance and commitment principles to help people try new ways of thinking and behaving.
He also draws on client-centered and existential perspectives to help people name what matters to them. For couples work he uses core ideas from the Gottman Method to improve communication and reduce conflict. Most conversations are concrete and goal-focused rather than theoretical.
Over his career David has helped people manage life transitions like separation, fatherhood changes, and shifting roles at work. He works with issues tied to family of origin, forgiveness, guilt, and feelings of emptiness. First responder stress and aging or geriatric concerns are also within his experience.
Sessions include regular check-ins about progress and the working relationship. He encourages feedback so the plan can be adjusted as needed. To begin, clients fill out a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session via the site button.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior that fuel stress and mood issues, and then testing practical changes to reduce symptoms. The Gottman Method brings concrete tools for couples to improve communication, manage conflict, and rebuild trust.Finding the right approach is part of the work. David treats therapy as collaborative and will review which methods suit a person's goals and preferences. He checks in regularly to see what is helping and adjusts the plan based on client feedback.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around school, a first job, or other busy schedules, and it can allow shorter check-ins or video conversations when in-person meetings are difficult. Talk with him about practical needs like timing, length of sessions, or whether you prefer not to be on camera, and he will try to accommodate those considerations.
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 help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include attachment, codependency, family issues, substance use, and fatherhood concerns.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses a pragmatic, action-focused style that combines cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance and commitment ideas and client-centered listening. Sessions tend to be concrete and goal-oriented.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and relational concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LMHC licensed in Iowa. His practice lists Iowa as his location.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients. Confirm time zone and scheduling details before booking.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before scheduling.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Check pricing details on the site before you start.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.