- CBT focused work
- Psychodynamic exploration
- Practical coping skills
About Carol
Dr. Carol Schmidt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 10 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing anxiety, stress, grief, depression, relationship strain, and social anxiety and phobia. Her practice addresses life changes that feel overwhelming and problems that sap energy and focus.
She emphasizes clear, practical conversations. Sessions focus on understanding what’s happening now, learning skills to cope, and noticing patterns that keep problems repeating. Dr. Schmidt uses a mix of approaches that include cognitive work and attention to emotional history.
Her background combines social work practice with graduate training in psychology and counseling. That mix informs a flexible style - sometimes short-term and skills-focused, sometimes slower and reflective when past experiences matter. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to map thoughts and behaviors and on psychodynamic ideas to look at long-standing patterns.
Typical session work might include identifying triggers for panic or avoidance, practicing manageable behavioral steps, and talking through relationship or family tensions. She also supports people dealing with mood shifts, obsessive habits, and the effects of trauma and loss. The tone in sessions is straightforward and goal-oriented rather than theoretical.
Dr. Schmidt asks people to set practical goals and checks progress regularly. People who contact her are usually looking for ways to reduce anxiety, manage life transitions, or improve close relationships. Sessions are conducted in English and follow California practice standards.
How her approaches work for online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s own goals and priorities and aims to make sessions responsive to what feels most important. It helps when people need a space to make sense of their feelings and decide what they want to change.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, panic, obsessive thinking, and avoidance by teaching concrete skills and short exercises to try between sessions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will discuss options openly and adapt methods based on the client’s goals, preferences, and progress so treatment feels collaborative rather than fixed.
Confirm current online session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, for example by saving travel time, allowing shorter check-ins during a busy day, or reducing the need to be on camera for every meeting. These practical benefits can help people keep steady momentum while addressing anxiety, panic, relationship concerns, and coping with life changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, family and relationship problems, and social anxiety and phobia among other issues.
How would she describe her therapy style?
She combines straightforward, skills-based work with reflective conversations about patterns from the past. Sessions are practical and focused on measurable steps.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has about 10 years of experience working in clinical settings and community care.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW, practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, fill out the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.