Dr. David Smith
Insightful therapist blending practical tools and depth
LICSW Minnesota
- Experience
- 20 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About David
Dr. David Smith brings two decades of clinical practice as a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Minnesota to his therapeutic work.
Background and approach
He draws on cognitive and psychodynamic ideas alongside client-centered and solution-focused methods to help people reduce stress, manage anxiety, and reorient toward meaningful goals. His background also includes work as a professor, consultant, researcher, and author, and his book Grace and Authenticity: Uncovering the Authentic Self reflects themes he often explores in sessions about perception, resilience, and purpose.
In therapy he emphasizes uncovering clients' internal strengths so they can navigate life transitions, relationship tensions, and patterns that keep them stuck. He frames healing as a process of discovery, helping clients experiment with new perspectives and practical strategies that fit their lives.
Dr. Smith’s approach is collaborative and tailored, combining structured techniques with reflective exploration to address concerns such as addiction, grief, workplace stress, self-esteem, and intimacy-related challenges.
Clients can expect an emphasis on practical tools alongside deeper exploration of patterns that trace back to family and personal history, all oriented toward clearer choices and forward movement.
Combining Practical Methods and Deeper Exploration Online
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and skills that can reduce anxiety and improve coping. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the therapist's empathic presence, listening, and support so clients can access their own resources and make self-directed changes. Existential Therapy encourages exploration of meaning, values, and choice when clients face life transitions or questions about purpose and identity.
Deciding which approach fits best is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then combine methods over time so that practical tools and reflective work support one another. Flexibility in approach helps tailor sessions to immediate challenges and longer-term growth.
Online therapy with Dr. Smith is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make scheduling easier and to meet a range of communication styles. These formats allow clients to access therapeutic techniques, reflective conversation, and skills practice from different settings, making it simpler to maintain momentum during times of change or busy schedules.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Licensed
Minnesota
Languages
English