- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Gottman Method for couples
About David
David Smith is an Iowa licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 25 years of experience. He helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, depression, and big life changes. He also focuses on issues like attachment, codependency, divorce and separation, and problems tied to family of origin.
He builds sessions around practical steps and clear goals. Sessions often include talking through current problems, identifying patterns, and trying small behavior changes to see what helps. David describes his style as accessible and action-oriented, and he encourages regular feedback so work stays useful and on track.
David draws on several approaches to fit what a client needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values and take action even when feelings are difficult. He also uses client-centered and existential ideas to explore meaning and personal choice.
Couples may be offered work that reflects relationship-focused methods such as the Gottman Method alongside individual strategies. He has experience with substance-related concerns, first responder issues, fatherhood topics, and aging-related shifts.
Sessions emphasize practical tools and steady progress rather than long lists of interpretation. David invites clients to check in about how therapy is going so adjustments can be made. The overall aim is clearer choices, more workable habits, and better communication with the people who matter.
If you want to begin, follow the site steps to complete the brief matching questionnaire and schedule an initial visit.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what matters to them and then take small actions toward those values even when emotions are uncomfortable. It can be useful for anxiety and life transitions where motivation and clarity are goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down unhelpful thoughts and behaviors into manageable steps and tests new behaviors in everyday life, which is often helpful for anxiety and mood concerns. The Gottman Method focuses on practical communication skills and exercises that couples can practice between sessions to improve interactions.Finding the right blend of these approaches is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose which methods fit their goals and preferences and adjust as the work progresses. That means sessions can shift over time from skills training to values-based work or to relationship-focused exercises depending on what helps most.
The original biography did not specify session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow brief check-ins when time is limited, or let people use video or phone based on comfort and bandwidth. Practical tools, worksheets, and between-session tasks are easy to assign and review remotely, helping therapy link directly to everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues like attachment and codependency.
What is his general approach in sessions?
Sessions focus on practical steps, clear goals, and regular feedback. He uses conversation and behavioral exercises to test what changes help.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience as a clinician in mental health settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LMHC licensed in Iowa and works with clients from that location.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session.