Profile / United States
Dr. Lance Smith, LMFT
California
Dr. Lance Smith - LMFT, relationships and mood
See online therapy options- CBT and behavior focus
- Attachment perspective
- Gottman informed work
About Lance
Dr. Lance Smith is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience in California. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, depression, addictions, trauma and grief, parenting and intimacy-related issues. He also addresses ADHD, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
Dr. Smith uses straightforward, talk-and-do therapy. He helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits. Then he practices small changes to test what works in daily life. Sessions are practical and focused on clear goals.
His background includes long experience in family systems and couple work alongside individual counseling. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to change thinking and behavior patterns. He also uses attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationships shape current responses.
He brings client-centered and solution-focused methods when conversations need to be direct and action-oriented. The Gottman Method informs his work with relationship dynamics and communication patterns. Trauma-focused approaches are used when past events affect present functioning.
People can expect concise feedback, structured exercises, and collaborative planning. The tone is professional and matter-of-fact, aimed at getting practical shifts that fit everyday life. To begin, a short questionnaire and an initial scheduling step are used to match goals and plan a first session.
How his approaches translate to online work
Dr. Smith commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to break down thinking patterns and try new behaviors. CBT sessions focus on clear steps, homework tasks, and tracking small changes, which often fit well with remote check-ins. Attachment-Based Therapy is used to examine how relationship patterns began and how they play out now; that work looks at communication and emotional responses within current relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the process. He works collaboratively to identify which methods match a person’s goals and preferences. Decisions about technique, pace, and what to practice between sessions are made together so the plan is practical and measurable.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule brief check-ins, complete behavioral experiments between meetings, and involve partners in focused sessions when needed. It also lets people fit sessions into busy days without travel, and it supports using materials or worksheets during meetings to track progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Oklahoma, Utah, California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with most often?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, addictions, trauma, grief, parenting issues, ADHD, anger, and self-esteem concerns.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions?
He uses CBT to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and to practice concrete behavioral changes. Sessions include experiments and skills to try between meetings.
What is his professional background?
He has 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples and has a long history using family systems approaches alongside individual therapy.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds an LMFT credential and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule 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.