- Direct and pragmatic
- Values-based work
- Collaborative check-ins
About David
David Smith is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with 25 years of experience. He focuses on men's wellbeing and helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, relationship strain, depression, and big life changes. He presents as accessible and pragmatic, aiming to work alongside clients to find practical steps forward.
David uses a mix of approaches to meet each person's needs. He often leans on cognitive behavioral ideas to name and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take meaningful action.
Sessions are collaborative and action-oriented. David likes regular check-ins so clients can give feedback about what is working and what needs to change. He emphasizes small, testable steps that fit into everyday life rather than abstract plans that are hard to use.
His background includes long experience with family-of-origin issues, communication and attachment concerns, codependency and commitment problems, and challenges that come with aging or fatherhood. He has also worked with people facing substance use concerns, forgiveness struggles, guilt and shame, and first responder stress.
People can expect a direct but empathetic style that balances listening with practical suggestions. David treats individuals and couples and aims to help each person move toward clearer goals and more satisfying daily life.
How his approaches fit with online therapy
David commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, clarify what matters to them, and then take small steps toward those values. ACT can be useful for anxiety, stress, emptiness, and navigating life changes.He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going and to test practical changes. CBT is often helpful for depression, anger, and anxiety when clients want concrete skills to try between sessions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. David will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences. That means trying strategies, checking how they feel about them, and adjusting the plan together over time.
Confirm the current online session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and offer flexible timing for people with changing schedules. Licensed professionals can guide clients toward the mix of tools and session rhythms that fit their daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does David commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, anger, relationship strain, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related concerns like attachment, codependency, communication, and fatherhood issues.
What is his general therapy style?
His style is accessible, empathetic, and action-oriented. Sessions focus on practical steps and regular check-ins to see what is helping.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 25 years of professional experience as a clinician working with a wide range of life and relationship problems.
What credentials and location are on file?
He is an LMHC licensed in Iowa and works from that state.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not specify which formats are used.
How is cost handled?
Costs vary with location and the therapist's scheduling; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.