PuttingFamilyFirst

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LS Portrait of Dr. Lance Smith
Online therapist

Dr. Lance Smith

Experienced family-focused therapist

Credentials
LMFT
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Oklahoma, Utah, California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Lance

Dr. Lance Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 25 years of practice. He focuses on family and parenting concerns along with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and addiction.

He aims to make therapy straightforward and approachable so parents can get practical help fast. He keeps sessions simple and direct. He listens first, then helps identify what to change.

He uses tried methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy to address patterns that strain relationships and family life.

Background and approach

He also draws on solution-focused techniques to set clear, short-term goals. In the therapy room he creates a calm, respectful space. Conversations are meant to be honest and grounded.

He helps people talk through parenting challenges, rebuild trust, and cope with grief or life changes without getting lost in jargon. Dr. Smith holds the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential, LMFT, and practices in California.

His approach blends talking, practical skill-building, and problem-solving tailored to each family’s needs. He brings a steady, compassionate presence and decades of experience to sessions. For parents seeking help with communication, blended-family issues, attachment concerns, or stress related to caregiving, he offers therapy aimed at clearer routines, better conversations, and healthier connections.

Therapeutic approaches for online family and relationship work

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early bonds shape current close relationships. It looks at patterns of trust, closeness, and fear of abandonment and helps people build more stable connections with partners and family members.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down the thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It teaches practical skills for managing anxiety, mood changes, and unhelpful reactions so daily life becomes more manageable.

The Gottman Method targets relationship patterns and communication. It offers concrete strategies to reduce conflict, improve friendship in the relationship, and handle disagreements with less damage.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work together with each client to match methods to their needs and goals. That means testing what helps and adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make scheduling easier for busy families and allow follow-up work between meetings. For many people, virtual sessions make consistent care more convenient while keeping the focus on real progress.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, addictions, trauma, grief, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, bipolar issues, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.
What is his general therapy style?
He offers a calm, respectful approach that emphasizes listening and practical steps. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, and improving day-to-day family interactions.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - practicing in California. License numbers on file include CA LMFT 158469 and OK LMFT 10117.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for remote work.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Next step

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