Dr. Frederick Smoot, LMFT
Empathetic therapist who clarifies your next steps
Details
| Name | Dr. Frederick Smoot |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LMFT |
| Based in | California |
| Licensed in | California |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 5 |
About Frederick
Dr. Frederick Smoot is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings five years of clinical experience to his work in California. He meets people with calm presence and direct kindness.
He listens first, then helps shape practical next steps that fit each person's situation. He keeps therapy straightforward and relational. Sessions focus on what feels most urgent - stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, relationship or intimacy problems, parenting strain, or career transitions.
Background and approach
He uses plain language and helps people map choices rather than rely on jargon. Dr. Smoot combines Narrative approaches with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered work.
That means he pays attention to the stories people tell about themselves, helps notice what matters most, and supports changes that match personal values. He also draws on cognitive behavioral techniques and tools from relationship work when helpful. He aims for a shame-free, respectful environment where goals are set together.
Therapy is collaborative - the client and therapist shape direction, try small experiments, and adjust plans based on what actually helps. Practical concerns are part of the process. Sessions can address coping with loss, managing anger, healing from trauma or abuse, dealing with addiction, and rebuilding after separation or infidelity.
He also supports people facing caregiver stress, aging issues, or the strain of blended family arrangements. Dr. Smoot offers sessions in English and accepts international clients.
He uses a mix of conversational empathy and structured techniques to help people make changes that hold up in everyday life.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts among the things Frederick works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Depression
- Compassion fatigue
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Abandonment
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Narcissism
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Gottman Method: Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by Frederick among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Frederick 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 Frederick directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and action-focused work translates online
Dr. Smoot uses Narrative Therapy to help people notice the stories that shape their lives and re-author those stories in ways that feel truer. Narrative work is helpful for issues like identity, shame, relationship patterns and coping after loss.He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on clarifying values and taking small committed actions toward them. ACT can help when worry, avoidance or difficult emotions get in the way of living the life someone wants. Client-Centered Therapy guides the tone of sessions, so conversations stay respectful, paced to the person, and grounded in what matters most to them.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. He will talk with clients about goals and try methods that match those goals, adjusting plans if something isn't working. The aim is to pick strategies that fit the person's needs, preferences and daily life.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video works well for longer sessions and relationship work where seeing expressions matters. Phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or messaging lets people check in between sessions or use short check-ins during a busy day. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Dr. Smoot work with?
He helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and addiction. Relationship strain, intimacy issues, parenting challenges, career changes and caregiver stress are also common areas.
What is his general therapeutic style?
His style is warm, curious and truth-telling. He focuses on listening, mapping practical steps, and tailoring plans together with each person.
What experience does he bring to therapy?
Dr. Smoot has five years of clinical experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with a range of life challenges and transitions.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, and he accepts international clients who can work in that language.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for flexible ways to connect.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Frederick 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 Frederick where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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