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LMFT

Dr. Lance Smith, LMFT

  • Experience25 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesAttachment-Based Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Lance

Dr. Lance Smith brings 25 years of clinical experience to his practice in California as an LMFT.

Background and approach

He works with people facing a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting and anger, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. His background also includes work with attachment challenges, autism and Asperger Syndrome, blended family issues, caregiver stress, and other family-origin and communication problems.

Known for a thoughtful and compassionate presence, he aims to build therapeutic relationships in which clients feel valued and listened to while exploring the changes they want to make. Dr.

Smith draws from several evidence-informed approaches, blending client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques, attachment-based perspectives, solution-focused strategies, and the Gottman Method when couples work is appropriate. This flexibility lets him tailor interventions to the client’s situation and goals.

He encourages a collaborative process where goals are clarified and practical steps are identified. Prospective clients in California can expect an experienced clinician who focuses on understanding patterns, strengthening coping skills, and supporting meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Smith integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to create a practical, collaborative online care plan. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathic listening and building a respectful therapeutic relationship to help clients explore concerns and identify personal goals, which is especially helpful for issues like grief, self-esteem, and relationship strain. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior and developing concrete skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work itself. Dr. Smith partners with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then adapts methods accordingly. This collaborative process allows for adjustments over time so the plan remains relevant to the client’s progress and changing circumstances.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, maintain continuity during busy periods, and access care from home or other convenient locations while working through relationship, attention, or mood-related concerns.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly help with?
He supports a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, intimacy issues, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
What is the general therapeutic style and approach?
The approach is collaborative and compassionate, combining client-centered listening with targeted techniques from cognitive behavioral, attachment-based, solution-focused, trauma-informed, and Gottman methods as appropriate to the client's goals.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
He has 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families across a variety of concerns and settings.
Where is the therapist licensed and based?
He is an LMFT practicing in California and holds the license numbers CA LMFT 158469 and OK LMFT 10117.
In which languages can sessions be conducted and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are conducted in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available for working together?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility in how clients connect.
How are fees and payment structured?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Oklahoma, Utah, California

Languages

English

What Lance can help with

Dr. Lance Smith works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and depression.

Lance works with youth, individuals, couples, and families.

How Lance approaches therapy

Lance's clinical approaches include Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

Experience and training

Lance is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California, with 25 years of clinical experience.

Therapy style

Lance aims to help you reach your goals.