PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

DS Portrait of Daniel Smolen
Online therapist

Daniel Smolen

Practical support for family and relationship stress

Book with Daniel
Credentials
LCSW
Experience
30 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Daniel

Daniel Smolen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, and parenting challenges. He also works with anger issues and supports people dealing with depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and LGBT-related concerns. Daniel speaks plainly and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

With 30 years of experience, Daniel draws on straightforward tools to reduce overwhelm and improve day-to-day functioning. He believes each person knows their story and brings strengths to the room.

Background and approach

Sessions often center on identifying small changes that make home life and relationships easier. Daniel uses methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. He also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy to help people notice the present moment and reduce reactivity.

Those approaches are used in ways that parents and caregivers can apply between sessions. People who come to Daniel often want clear, concrete strategies for handling conflict, blended family transitions, caregiver stress, or communication problems. He also has experience with post-traumatic stress, self-harm concerns, disruptive mood dysregulation, and social anxiety.

The goal in sessions is practical problem solving rather than long lectures. Daniel practices in California and conducts sessions in English. He aims to make the first steps simple and understandable so families and individuals can begin addressing what matters most.

Therapeutic approaches and online options that fit family life

Daniel uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes that ease stress and improve relationships. CBT can be useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and practical parenting challenges.

He also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices. Mindfulness helps reduce reactivity and supports clearer communication during tense family moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Daniel collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals and daily routines. He adapts techniques so they can be practiced between sessions and fit real-life family demands.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy households. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations when needed, while phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging provide shorter check-ins and ongoing support. These options make it easier to schedule care around parenting, work, and other commitments, and they let therapists and clients focus on practical steps that can be used at home.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Daniel commonly address?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflict, parenting challenges, anger, depression, and self-esteem issues. His work also includes trauma, LGBT concerns, and related areas like caregiver stress and blended family issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic approach and style?
He uses practical methods drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy. Sessions focus on simple, usable strategies and noticing habits that get in the way of goals.
What is his background and experience?
Daniel is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of professional experience. He emphasizes strengths people already have and helps turn those into workable steps.
Where is he licensed and located?
He holds a California license as an LCSW with license number CA LCSW 20178 and practices in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions can be conducted by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options allow flexibility for different schedules and needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
30 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Daniel

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Daniel