David Smith, LMHC

Iowa | Online sessions in Iowa | English | Book with David »

Experienced counselor focused on practical change

Details

Name	David Smith
Credentials	LMHC
Based in	Iowa
Licensed in	Iowa
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	25

About David

David Smith is a licensed mental health counselor with 25 years of experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, anger, depression, and life transitions. He approaches work with a direct, practical style and aims to help clients move from feeling stuck toward clearer choices and small, manageable changes.

He believes people carry strengths that help them reshape their stories and daily life. David centers the conversation on each person’s story.

Background and approach

He listens for patterns that create pain and for moments that point to possibility. He uses a mix of methods drawn from Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered work, and cognitive behavioral ideas to offer new perspectives and practical steps. Sessions focus on clear goals and real-life actions.

David often helps clients name unhelpful thoughts, try small behavioral experiments, and notice values that matter to them. He also addresses relationship and communication problems, issues around attachment and codependency, and challenges tied to aging, fatherhood, or family of origin dynamics. He brings a pragmatic, empathetic presence and expects therapy to be collaborative.

Clients are invited to give feedback about what helps and what does not, so adjustments can be made. The aim is steady progress toward more connection, calmer days, and better coping when life changes. David works with people dealing with substance-related concerns, forgiveness, guilt, and the stress that comes with demanding jobs, including first responder roles.

His practice is based in Iowa and he conducts work in English.

What this therapist works with

His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Anger management among the things David works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by David among the ways he works.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by David among the ways he works.
Existential Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Gottman Method: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Jungian Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Motivational Interviewing: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Systemic Therapy: Listed by David among the ways he works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask David directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking David directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

Narrative and Action-Focused Options for Online Therapy

David draws on Narrative approaches and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters and rewrite the stories that keep them stuck. Narrative therapy looks at how a person’s story shapes their day-to-day life and helps identify alternatives to limiting narratives. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings, focus on personal values, and take committed action toward those values.

He treats the choice of approach as collaborative. Early sessions involve listening to a client’s concerns and goals, then trying techniques that fit their needs. Clients and therapist check in regularly and adjust methods so the work stays relevant and useful for daily life.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls work well for in-depth conversations and shared exercises, while phone sessions can be easier when lower bandwidth or no camera is preferred. Live chat and text messaging allow brief check-ins, progress notes, or quick strategies between sessions. These options offer flexibility to fit therapy into work breaks, travel, or a busy home schedule.

Common questions about this listing

What kinds of concerns does David help with?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, relationship problems, and coping with life changes. He also addresses issues like addiction, family of origin struggles, fatherhood, aging, and guilt or shame.

What is his therapeutic style like?

His style is pragmatic and collaborative. He mixes narrative listening with cognitive and acceptance-based techniques to help clients test new ways of thinking and behaving.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 25 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns. That experience informs a practical, problem-solving approach to therapy.

What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

He is an IA LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. His practice is based in Iowa.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English. He also accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options offer flexibility depending on scheduling and communication preferences.

How are session 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?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with David are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including David where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.

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