- Trauma informed
- Skills based
- Sleep and rest
About Brett
Brett Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 22 years of clinical work. He helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, trauma, addictions, and relationship concerns. He also supports those facing issues around self-esteem, grief, intimacy, parenting, and career changes.
Brett draws on direct, straightforward sessions where practical skills are taught and practiced. He commonly uses dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral ideas to help people build coping tools. He also brings hypnotherapy and Jungian perspectives into work when it fits the person's needs.
His background includes service as a combat veteran and time in law enforcement, experiences that shaped his understanding of trauma and crisis. He has spent part of his career doing emergency psychiatric assessments, which added to his diagnostic skill set and his ability to work with acute distress.
In sessions he aims to be flexible about methods and clear about goals. People can expect conversations that focus on what is getting in the way of daily life and practical steps to change patterns. Brett encourages follow-through and homework to consolidate progress between meetings.
Outside of work he enjoys sailing, backpacking, kayaking, and training dogs with his wife. He shares informational videos on a public YouTube channel for those who want to learn more about the topics he covers in therapy.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Dialectical Behavior Therapy focuses on building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Online sessions using DBT-style work can include skills coaching, role plays, and worksheets to practice during the week. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helps people test new ways of thinking and acting; online CBT often uses guided exercises and short homework tasks to change daily routines and sleep habits.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, try methods that fit the issue, and adjust based on what is helpful. Clients and the therapist decide together which techniques to continue or change as work proceeds.
The practical benefits of online therapy include easier fitting of sessions into a busy life and more consistent check-ins for ongoing issues like sleep, stress, and grief. If you plan to try online care, confirm which session formats are offered before booking so you know how meetings will be conducted. Online work can make it simpler to use short check-ins, follow-up skill reviews, and regular appointments without major travel.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
Brett works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, sleep and eating issues, grief, relationship and intimacy difficulties, parenting strain, ADHD, and career or life changes.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a direct, practical approach that focuses on teaching skills and tracking progress. Sessions often include exercises and specific strategies people can try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 22 years of clinical experience, including work with trauma, personality disorders, and emergency psychiatric assessments.
What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?
He is a LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - practicing in California.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, and he accepts international clients as part of his practice.
What session formats are offered?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm the available formats before booking to ensure they fit your needs.
How is pricing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.