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LISW-CP

Dr. James Smith, LISW-CP

  • Experience32 years
  • LocationSouth Carolina
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Anger
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About James

Dr. James Smith brings more than three decades of clinical experience to his practice as a licensed independent social worker with clinical practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina.

Background and approach

He frames therapy around each person’s own expertise about their life, drawing on a range of evidence-based methods to help with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, relationship difficulties, addictions, trauma, and intimacy concerns.

His background also includes work with issues such as autism and Asperger syndrome, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, body image, and a variety of identity and relational challenges. Dr.

Smith emphasizes a collaborative approach that highlights client strengths and courage as central resources for change. He blends internal family systems ideas with cognitive and behavioral techniques and acceptance-based strategies to address both immediate coping needs and longer-term patterns.

Clients can expect an engaged, respectful therapist who supports exploration of feelings, patterns, and practical tools for navigating life transitions and healing from past wounds.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Healing and Growth

Dr. Smith integrates Internal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into online work to help clients explore internal parts and build meaningful, value-driven lives. Internal Family Systems invites clients to notice different internal voices and parts, offering a way to understand conflicting feelings and to develop greater inner harmony. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy emphasizes noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and taking actions that align with personal values, which can help with anxiety, depression, and life changes.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative; the therapist will work with each person to identify which methods fit their goals, comfort level, and current concerns. Over time he may blend strategies - for example pairing parts work with practical skills from cognitive-behavioral or acceptance-based frameworks - so the plan evolves with the client's needs.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexible ways to engage in therapy around busy schedules or geographic constraints. These options make it possible to access licensed professionals from home and to use different communication styles for check-ins, skills practice, or deeper sessions depending on what feels most helpful.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
Dr. Smith works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, anger, depression, addictions, trauma and intimacy-related issues, plus a range of related concerns listed in his focus areas.
What is the therapist's overall approach in sessions?
He uses a collaborative, strengths-based stance and draws from several evidence-informed approaches such as Internal Family Systems, ACT, CBT, and DBT to tailor work to each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 32 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and with diverse presenting issues.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
The therapist is listed as LISW-CP with license detail SC LISW-CP 16604 and practices in South Carolina.
Which languages are available for sessions and can he work internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats does he offer for online work?
He conducts sessions via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.
How are fees and payment structured?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualityYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

32+ years

Licensed

South Carolina

Languages

English