Therapist profile
David Smith, LMHC
Iowa
LMHC in Iowa - relationships and coping
Continue with DavidWhere David stands
- Credentials
- LMHC
- License
- LMHC, Iowa / 00254
- NPI
- 1508370198
- Experience
- 25 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Iowa
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationships and codependency
- Cognitive behavioral work
About David
David Smith is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa with 25 years of professional experience. He works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, depression, and life changes. He also focuses on issues like codependency, attachment concerns, family problems, and struggles around substance use.
David keeps therapy straightforward. He listens, helps you map what is keeping you stuck, and supports steps you can try between sessions. He uses practical tools and clear feedback so progress is easier to recognize.
He draws on a mix of approaches rather than a single method. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify unhelpful thinking and experiment with different behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice what matters to them and take action toward those values. He also uses client-centered ideas to follow the person's pace and priorities.
Sessions aim to be action-oriented while still paying attention to emotions and history. Couples and individuals can expect joint planning for specific goals, regular check-ins about how therapy is going, and adjustments when something is not helping. His work addresses family of origin issues, fatherhood concerns, communication and control problems, and separation or divorce stress.
People who reach out are often ready to try new ways of handling boundaries, people-pleasing, and the impact of someone else’s drinking or moods. David helps translate those intentions into concrete steps and measurable changes.
How sessions work
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then taking steps toward what matters. It can help with anxiety, depression, and the patterns that keep people putting others first. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses straightforward experiments to test new ways of behaving. It is useful for anxiety, anger, and mood changes. The Gottman Method brings practical communication and relationship skills into sessions so couples can practice calmer conversations and clearer boundaries.Choosing the best approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. That conversation guides whether more ACT, CBT, or relationship-focused skills are emphasized, and the plan can be adjusted as progress is reviewed.
The original biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Many people find it simpler to work on communication skills or values-based actions from a familiar setting, while still getting structured exercises and homework to practice between meetings.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as codependency and family of origin matters.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His approach is pragmatic and action-oriented. He combines CBT, ACT, client-centered ideas, and relationship work to create practical steps clients can try between sessions.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of emotional and relational concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor, licensed in Iowa, and practices from that state.
Can I see him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered to international clients as noted. Sessions are conducted in English.
Which session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a 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 at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.