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LICSW

Dr. David Smith, LICSW

  • Experience20 years
  • LocationMinnesota
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
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About David

Dr. David Smith is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with two decades of clinical experience in Minnesota.

Background and approach

He brings a background as a clinician, educator, consultant, and writer to his practice, and his work emphasizes helping people reduce stress and anxiety while clarifying values and life direction. His recent writing, Grace and Authenticity: Uncovering the Authentic Self, reflects his interest in helping clients notice strengths, see new possibilities, and shape a more fulfilling life.

His approach centers on uncovering internal resilience and building practical tools tailored to each person’s needs. Dr.

Smith draws on Internal Family Systems alongside cognitive and psychodynamic perspectives to explore patterns, beliefs, and emotional parts that influence behavior. He aims to help clients reframe obstacles, strengthen coping with life changes, and pursue goals related to relationships, career, recovery, and self-worth.

Clients seeking support for stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, addictions, and a wide array of life and relationship concerns may find his blended, reflective style a useful match. He integrates practical skill-building with deeper exploration so clients can identify sustainable changes and move toward the life they want.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Access

Dr. Smith commonly integrates Internal Family Systems to help clients notice and relate to different internal parts, promoting self-leadership and reduced internal conflict. He also uses Client-Centered Therapy, offering empathic listening and a nonjudgmental stance that supports self-directed growth, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process rather than a one-size-fits-all decision. The therapist will work with each person to consider their goals, preferences, and life circumstances and adapt methods over time so the work stays aligned with what the client needs and hopes to achieve.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities, and they allow licensed professionals to use the described therapeutic approaches in ways that fit each client’s life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Dr. Smith address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, career and workplace issues, parenting and family matters, and questions about life purpose and meaning.
What is Dr. Smith's therapeutic style?
His style blends reflective exploration with skill-building, combining elements of client-centered listening, cognitive approaches, psychodynamic reflection, and systems awareness to tailor work to each person’s goals.
How much experience does he bring to therapy?
He has 20 years of clinical experience and a background that includes roles as a clinician, professor, consultant, and writer.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds a LICSW credential with the designation MN LICSW 08854 and practices in Minnesota.
Does he offer services in languages other than English or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for work with him?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide different ways to connect depending on client preference.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Minnesota

Languages

English