Profile / United States
Brett Smith, LMFT
California
LMFT - Trauma and Mood Concerns
See online therapy options- CBT and DBT methods
- Hypnotherapy elements
- Veteran and crisis experience
About Brett
Brett Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 22 years of experience. He works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, and a wide range of related concerns listed on his profile.
Brett draws on his background as a combat veteran and former law enforcement officer to understand how traumatic events can shape behavior. He explains how trauma symptoms can persist and shows concrete ways to reduce their hold on day-to-day life. He also has extensive experience working with personality disorders and crisis assessments in emergency settings.
His style is direct and practical. He primarily uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy but integrates other methods when needed. He has post-graduate training in hypnotherapy and describes his hypnotherapy work as Ericksonian and transformational in approach.
Sessions focus on noticing unhelpful thoughts and habits, practicing different responses, and building skills to manage strong emotions. Brett also uses mindfulness techniques and some Jungian ideas to explore patterns that repeat in relationships and self-image.
Outside of clinical work he spends time sailing, backpacking, kayaking, and training dogs with his wife. He maintains a YouTube channel that covers topics related to therapy and mental health for people who want to learn more before they begin work together.
How his approaches translate to online work
Online sessions can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking and test different behavioral responses. CBT focuses on clear steps - noticing a thought, testing it, and trying alternatives - which can be practiced between sessions.Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers practical skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills training helps with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication in everyday situations.
Finding which approach fits is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to pick methods that match the client’s goals and preferences and will adjust them as needed based on what helps most.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example, shorter check-ins during a lunch break, sessions without video when bandwidth is low, or scheduling around work and travel. Licensed professionals can use remote appointments to continue skill practice and to review progress between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and many related concerns listed on his profile.
How would he describe his therapeutic approach?
He uses a direct, skills-focused approach. He primarily uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy and adds other methods when needed.
What is his clinical background and experience?
He has 22 years in counseling, experience in emergency psychiatric assessments, and personal experience as a combat veteran and former law enforcement officer.
What credentials and location apply?
He practices as an LMFT licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions held in?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees structured?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.