Brett Smith, LMFT

Brett Smith is a California LMFT with 22 years of clinical experience. He helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, relationship problems, addictions, grief, self-esteem, sleep and eating concerns, and related issues. He also works with clients dealing with ADHD, first responder and veteran issues, and the effects of family of origin problems.

Brett draws on his background as a combat veteran and former law enforcement officer to understand how trauma shapes behavior. That experience informs his approach to trauma symptoms and personality difficulties. His work has included emergency psychiatric assessments, which sharpened his diagnostic thinking and his ability to handle crisis situations.

In sessions Brett is direct and practical. He primarily uses dialectical behavior therapy but shifts approaches when a situation calls for it. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques, Jungian ideas, mindfulness practices, and hypnotherapy methods informed by Ericksonian and transformational concepts.

He tends to focus on concrete skills - managing intense emotions, reducing patterns of avoidance, improving communication, and rebuilding day-to-day routines. He talks through what is getting in the way of progress and then practices alternate responses in session.

Outside of work he sails, backpacks, kayaks, and trains dogs with his wife. He shares short videos on a public channel that expand on topics he covers in therapy. Those resources are offered as extra information for people who want to learn more before starting.

How his approaches translate to online work