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Daniel Smolen, LCSW

Based in California Online sessions

Calm, practical support for parenting and stress

Book with Daniel
Years in practice
30
Credentials
LCSW
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Focus
Stress, Anxiety
Focus
Relationship issues
Focus
Family conflicts
About

About Daniel

Daniel Smolen is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience helping people facing stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns. He works with adults who want practical tools to handle anger, mood struggles, or ongoing family conflict. He writes plainly and aims for clear, doable steps rather than confusing jargon.

In sessions he treats each person as the expert on their life and builds on existing strengths. He uses straightforward conversations to identify patterns that keep problems alive.

Background and approach

Together they set small goals and try techniques between sessions to test what works. Daniel often draws on cognitive behavioral methods to help people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He also uses mindfulness practices to teach simple ways to calm the body and focus attention.

These approaches are used to address issues like depression, social anxiety, trauma responses, and low self-esteem. Parents and caregivers who are worn down by daily demands will find a practical focus on what can be changed now. He can help with blended family issues, communication problems, and caregiver stress by offering concrete strategies for managing conflict and daily routines.

Sessions are offered in English and take place with a view toward the client’s goals. He encourages people to take the first step and will work alongside them to create a plan that fits their life and needs.

Focus areas and approaches

What Daniel works with

Everything Daniel lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Daniel helps people with.

Approaches Daniel lists

Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches for online parenting support

Daniel often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a hands-on approach that helps people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, anger, and problems with daily routines.

He also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy, which teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase calm. Mindfulness can help with stress, emotional ups and downs, and improving focus when parenting or managing family conflict.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about their needs and goals and try methods that fit their situation. If one technique does not fit, he adapts the work until a better match is found.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face discussion and demonstrations, phone calls can work when bandwidth is limited, live chat is useful for shorter check-ins, and messaging offers ongoing support between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy parenting schedules and to continue care when life gets hectic.
Questions

Questions people ask about Daniel

What kinds of concerns does he help with?

He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns. Other focus areas include anger, trauma and self-esteem problems.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He keeps sessions straightforward and practical, focusing on small goals and usable skills. Conversations emphasize building on a person’s own strengths.

How much experience does he have?

He has 30 years of professional work experience as a clinician. That background informs a pragmatic approach to common life challenges.

What credentials and region are listed?

He is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in California. Sessions are provided from that location.

Which languages are supported and can international clients join?

Sessions are offered in English. He is not currently accepting international clients.

In what formats are sessions available?

Sessions may be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This allows flexibility to fit different schedules.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model. The subscription can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

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