IFSTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LPC

Richard Smith, LPC

  • Experience4 years
  • LocationMichigan
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Continue with Richard

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Richard

Richard Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan with four years of clinical experience. He has focused his work on supporting people who are managing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, trauma and abuse, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

Richard aims to build an atmosphere where clients can explore difficult thoughts and feelings without judgment while working toward clearer priorities and healthier coping patterns. Richard integrates a variety of evidence-informed methods to meet clients where they are, drawing on Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based approaches, client-centered techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies as appropriate.

He pays particular attention to issues that commonly intersect with relationships and identity such as attachment concerns, communication problems, fatherhood issues, forgiveness, guilt and shame, and process or sex-related addictions. He welcomes international clients and conducts sessions in English, helping each person shape goals and next steps that fit their situation.

Approaches that guide online therapy

Richard often uses Internal Family Systems to help clients understand and dialogue with different parts of themselves; this approach can be useful for sorting internal conflicts and easing self-criticism. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them while clarifying personal values to guide action. Attachment-Based Therapy is another thread in his work, focusing on patterns in close relationships and how early relational experiences shape current ways of connecting and communicating.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with each client to identify which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and adjusts the plan as needed so therapy remains relevant and practical for the person in front of him.

Online formats offer flexibility for people balancing work, family, or travel. He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which can make scheduling easier and allow clients to use the mode that best supports their engagement and comfort. These options help maintain continuity of care and allow therapy to fit more naturally into everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist often address?
He commonly works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue, along with related areas such as attachment, communication issues, and process or sex-related addictions.
What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?
Sessions emphasize an open, nonjudgmental environment where clients can share thoughts and feelings; treatment blends Internal Family Systems, ACT, attachment-based work, client-centered care, and cognitive behavioral techniques as suited to the client's needs.
How much clinical experience does the counselor have?
He has four years of professional experience working with clients on a range of concerns including trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
What credentials and location should I know about?
He holds the LPC credential and practices in Michigan with license number MI LPC 6401223648.
Can I work with this therapist if I live outside the United States?
Yes, he accepts international clients and conducts therapy in English for people located outside the U.S.
In what formats are sessions offered?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and preferences.
How are session fees handled?
Cost varies depending on location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addiction

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Imago Relationship TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English