Dr. David Smith, LICSW - Therapist in Minnesota

About David

Dr. David Smith brings two decades of clinical social work experience to his practice in Minnesota. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - LICSW, and he focuses on practical ways to reduce stress and anxiety.

He writes about authenticity and resilience and uses those ideas to help people notice new options and build on strengths. He typically helps clients name what feels stuck and then tries simple, manageable steps forward.

Background and approach

Sessions aim to clarify what matters, test small changes, and learn what works in everyday life. The tone is direct and supportive, with an emphasis on usable strategies rather than long theory talks. His background includes work in clinical care, teaching, consulting, and writing.

That mix shaped a style that blends practical tools with attention to personal history. He draws on both present-focused techniques and deeper exploration when it helps. Common concerns he addresses include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting, addictions, grief, and life transitions.

He also pays attention to patterns like attachment, codependency, and family of origin issues. In sessions clients can expect a collaborative process. Dr.

Smith will listen closely, suggest experiments or skill practices, and revisit what’s helping. The goal is clearer choices and more confidence in moving toward the life a person wants.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person’s experience and matching support to their needs. It helps when someone needs validation, clearer self-direction, and a safe way to sort feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them; it is often useful for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns. Existential Therapy invites conversations about meaning, choice, and values, and can help during big life transitions or when someone questions purpose.

Choosing the right approach starts as a conversation. The therapist will ask about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together the client and therapist try methods that fit and adjust them over time, so the work stays relevant to day-to-day life.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. That range lets people fit sessions into busy schedules and use formats that feel comfortable for different situations. For many, these options make it easier to practice skills between meetings and keep momentum when life gets hectic.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Existential Therapy

Takes the larger questions seriously: meaning, choice, mortality, responsibility. Suited to periods when the difficulty is less a symptom than a sense that something has to change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he address?

He works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting, addictions, grief, and career challenges.

What is his therapy style like?

Sessions are collaborative and practical. He listens, helps name patterns, and suggests small experiments or skills to try between meetings.

How long has he been practicing?

He has 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker and practitioner in related roles.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He holds a Minnesota LICSW with license number MN LICSW 08854 and practices in Minnesota.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What formats are offered for sessions?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How do I begin working with him and what does it cost?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to therapist availability. Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Self esteem

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 20 years
Licensed: Minnesota
Languages: English

Next step

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