Therapist profile
Dr. Lance Smith, LMFT
California
LMFT - Relationships and Anger
Continue with LanceKey details
- CredentialsLMFT
- LicenseLMFT, Oklahoma / 10117; LMFT, Utah / 13638245-3902; LMFT, California / 158469
- NPI1316190655
- Experience25 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationCalifornia
About
- Anger management
- Relationship skills
- CBT and attachment
About Lance
Dr. Lance Smith is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 25 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Sessions are conducted in English and international clients are not accepted.
He takes a straightforward, practical approach in sessions. He listens to what matters most and helps people talk through immediate problems. Conversations often focus on improving communication, managing strong emotions like anger, and handling life changes more effectively.
Dr. Smith draws on several therapy methods to fit the problem at hand. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Attachment-Based and Client-Centered ideas guide work on relationships and emotional safety. Solution-Focused and Gottman Method techniques are used when the aim is clearer, goal-oriented change in partnerships.
In sessions he may combine methods rather than stick to one model. That can mean practicing new communication skills, testing a different response to stress, or creating short-term plans to manage upsetting moments. He also addresses issues tied to family of origin, abandonment, and multicultural concerns.
His background includes long-term clinical work with individuals and couples. The practice asks new clients to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the online sign-up flow. Fees vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current closeness and trust. Online sessions using these ideas focus on identifying patterns in relationships and practicing different ways of connecting or responding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going, with practical exercises to change reactions and reduce intense emotional spikes. The Gottman Method concentrates on communication skills and repairing interaction patterns in partnerships, often using specific tools to improve conversations and reduce conflict.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to match methods to their goals and preferences. That can mean trying CBT techniques for anger control, then shifting to attachment work for relationship issues, or blending elements across approaches based on what helps most.
Confirm the therapist's current online session options before booking. The benefits of internet-based sessions include fitting therapy around work or caregiving schedules, shorter check-ins when time is tight, and the ability to meet without travel. These practical advantages often make it easier to keep regular appointments and apply new skills in everyday situations.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Oklahoma, Utah, California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does he help with?
He works with people who snap at loved ones, carry workplace frustration, or feel mounting resentment. Anger is addressed alongside related concerns like communication and grief.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses a practical, conversational style that focuses on immediate problems and skills. Sessions mix discussion, exercises, and short plans to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 25 years of experience providing counseling to individuals and couples. That work has covered issues from depression to trauma and anger management.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a LMFT and practices in California. The profile lists California licensure as the location for services.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he accept clients from other countries?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the platform.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.