Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist - I am licensed as an LMHC in Iowa and have 25 years of professional work experience. My approach is one in which I recognize the significance (and courage) of your decision to consider counseling and together, we will seek out solutions that build upon your strengths. I would describe myself as accessible, empathetic, pragmatic, and action-oriented. Therapy by design will challenge anyone to step outside their comfort zone and attempt to reshape their life. Typically, we all seek out similar things in life...joy, peace, connectivity, etc...but often, we feel stuck in reaching our life goals. It is my role to assist you with assessing the issues that are preventing you from living your best life and further assisting you with seeking out alternative ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to bring about that change into your life. In professional terms, I would describe myself as "eclectic" in my therapy approach but I tend to emphasize solution-focused, cognitive/behavioral, motivational, and family systems brands of therapy in approaching my work with others. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I am equally comfortable working with individuals and couples. It is my belief that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Finally, therapy is a two-way street as I believe it is advisable to do a "check in" with clients as to how I am doing in the work we are engaged in and receive feedback. The process of therapy is a joint effort and it is vital that you as a client (or couple) not only feel heard but that therapy is progressing and assisting you in making change in your life. Thank you.
Additional areas of focus: Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy
IA LMHC 00254
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for David Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
David is the best!
Written on Sep 15, 2024 after therapy with David for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
David speaks with a level of informed kindness that helps provide a focus to the constantly shifting realities we face in life. I'm thankful for my sessions with him.
Written on Apr 16, 2024 after therapy with David for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management
David the best - insightful, kind, intelligent. I highly recommend him.
Written on Apr 03, 2024 after therapy with David for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, eating disorders, and anger management
David has been great for me from the very start. I enjoy our conversations. Does a very good job listening, giving me great feedback and challenges some of my thoughts. I am grateful that I have him for a therapist!
Written on Jan 04, 2024 after therapy with David for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
David has been the best therapist I have seen. He actively listens and provides practical advice and suggestions as to what is going on. His sessions feel very personalized and tailored to my situations. He is very versatile, professional, and has a strong educational background. I would highly recommend David to any friend or family, female or male, he is great.
Written on Sep 26, 2023 after therapy with David for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Dave is attentive and a great listener. Would highly recommend!
Written on Apr 03, 2023 after therapy with David for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes