PuttingFamilyFirst

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

WS Portrait of Wayland Smith
Online therapist

Wayland Smith

Experienced family-focused LCSW

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
38 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Wayland

Wayland Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with 38 years of professional experience. He focuses on practical help for people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, bipolar challenges, and family tensions. He emphasizes clear communication and straightforward steps so families can begin to feel steadier.

Parents and adults looking for pragmatic guidance will find a calm, steady presence. Wayland treats relationship and intimacy concerns along with grief and trauma issues.

Background and approach

He also addresses parenting questions, anger, self-esteem, and life transitions in simple, concrete ways. His work includes attention to ADHD, process addictions such as gambling or problematic pornography use, and the challenges that come with blended families and aging. He pays attention to co-occurring problems and how one issue can affect another.

Wayland believes each person knows important things about their life and brings those strengths into sessions. He helps people sort those pieces, set realistic steps, and practice new responses. Sessions aim to reduce overwhelm and build habits that support everyday functioning.

He holds an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - licensed in Illinois. Sessions are offered in English and are available online using several formats. Wayland welcomes working with people who want clear guidance and steady support through stressful life moments.

His style is collaborative and grounded in approaches that have evidence behind them. He encourages small, manageable changes and works with clients to track progress over time.

Evidence-Based Care Online for Family and Life Challenges

Wayland uses practical, evidence-based techniques to help people manage stress and rebuild routines. One common approach focuses on behavioral strategies that teach small, concrete changes in daily habits. This helps with anxiety, mood shifts, addictions, and difficulties that interfere with parenting or family life.

A second approach centers on trauma-informed methods that gently address past hurts and their current impact. These methods help people reduce intense reactions, improve emotional regulation, and repair relationships affected by trauma or loss.

Finding the right way of working is collaborative. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, try approaches that match those goals, and adjust the plan based on what is helping. Clients help shape the focus of sessions so the work stays relevant to daily life and family needs.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy families and adults. Video calls approximate face-to-face meetings, phone sessions remove travel barriers, and live chat or text-based messaging provide short, on-the-go check-ins. These options make it easier to keep momentum between appointments and fit therapy into a hectic schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Wayland commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, bipolar disorder, family conflict, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma, parenting, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and related concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is collaborative and practical. He helps clients identify strengths, set manageable steps, and practice new responses to everyday problems.
How long has he been practicing?
Wayland has 38 years of professional experience working in social work and mental health settings.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149004102.
Which languages are supported and can he work with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with him?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments based on the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Wayland

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