- Practical steps
- Collaborative care
- Relationship focus
About David
David Smith is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with 25 years of experience. He focuses on helping people who feel stuck by offering practical, down-to-earth support for stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, depression, and life transitions. He approaches each person with empathy and straightforward guidance aimed at real change.
He emphasizes collaboration and sees clients as experts in their own stories. Sessions often focus on identifying obstacles, trying new ways of thinking and behaving, and building on existing strengths. He describes his style as accessible, pragmatic, and action-oriented, with an emphasis on tangible steps clients can take between sessions.
David draws from several methods rather than a single school of thought. He uses cognitive and behavioral ideas to challenge unhelpful thoughts and habits, and he incorporates relational tools when relationship concerns are present. He also applies elements of acceptance-based and existential thinking for people wrestling with meaning or difficult feelings.
Couples work uses practical communication strategies alongside reflection on patterns that keep partners stuck. He also supports people dealing with issues tied to family of origin, addiction, codependency, fatherhood, aging, and first responder stress. The aim is to make progress that fits each person’s life and goals.
Throughout therapy he checks in about how the work is going, invites feedback, and adjusts the plan as needed. To begin, he asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a session according to availability.
How his approaches shape online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them drive behavior, then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce distress and improve coping. This approach is often used for anxiety, anger, and low mood. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and a collaborative pace so the person feels understood and supported while making changes.Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and how they respond to different methods. Together the client and therapist decide which tools to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and remove travel time for appointments. Many people find that doing therapy from their usual environment helps them apply new skills between meetings. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and communication strategies to work well in virtual settings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What types of concerns does he address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues like codependency and family problems.
What is his general therapy style?
Therapy is pragmatic and collaborative with an emphasis on action. Sessions focus on identifying obstacles and trying practical changes between meetings.
How much experience does he bring to sessions?
He has 25 years of professional experience working with individuals and couples on a wide range of concerns.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor - practicing in Iowa.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options when scheduling.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist schedules; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.