- Years in practice
- 25
- Credentials
- LMFT
- Licensed in
- Oklahoma, Utah, California
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Family conflicts
About Lance
Dr. Lance Smith helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, parenting challenges, addiction, trauma, or struggles with self-esteem. He is Dr.
Lance Smith, a licensed marital and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience based in California. He speaks English and works with adults on a range of life and relationship concerns. He aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can speak honestly about what is hard for them.
Background and approach
Sessions tend to focus on practical steps and clearer understanding rather than long lectures. He listens for patterns in relationships and behavior, then helps clients try small changes that can make daily life easier. His approach mixes several evidence-based methods.
He uses attachment ideas to look at how early bonds affect current relationships. He draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and habits. He also uses client-centered and solution-focused strategies to keep the work rooted in the person's goals.
Dr. Smith has worked with concerns such as parenting strain, blended family issues, caregiver stress, grief and end-of-life worries, trauma and post-traumatic stress, panic attacks, and multicultural issues. He also supports people dealing with ADHD, bipolar mood shifts, and intimacy or communication problems.
Sessions can include short-term goal work or longer-term exploration depending on what a person needs. The focus is on practical skills, clearer communication, and steady steps toward better daily functioning. He aims to help people feel more capable in their relationships and at home.
What Lance works with
Everything Lance lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Lance helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Depression
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Multicultural concerns
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Young adult issues
Approaches Lance lists
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Method
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and online support
Attachment-based work looks at how early relationships shape current connections and helps people repair or understand patterns that cause tension. This approach can be useful for parenting stress, intimacy problems, and family-of-origin issues.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and habits and testing small behavior changes. It is often helpful for anxiety, panic, mood shifts, and everyday coping skills.
Client-centered methods prioritize the person's experience and goals, giving space for people to set the pace and direction of therapy. That style pairs well with solution-focused techniques that aim for clear, short-term goals.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before, then suggest a direction. Together they adjust methods as progress and needs evolve.
Online formats offer practical advantages for busy adults. Video calls let people meet face-to-face without travel. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or when a camera feels like too much. Live chat and text messaging work for quick check-ins, homework, or shorter emotional support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a weeknight, a lunch break, or a caregiver schedule.
Questions people ask about Lance
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, parenting challenges, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe the therapist's style in sessions?
Sessions are typically calm and practical. He listens, reflects patterns, and works with clients to try small, manageable changes toward their goals.
What is his professional background and experience?
He holds 25 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of adult concerns and relationship issues, including long-term and short-term therapeutic work.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a licensed marital and family therapist, LMFT, practicing in California with additional licensure history noted in other states.
In which languages are sessions offered and are international clients supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available for working together?
Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.
More therapists for parents in California
All in California
Moushumi Ghose
LMFT
California 23 years in practice
Intimacy and relationship-focused therapy
- LGBT
- Relationship
- Intimacy-related issues
Jeana De Lay
LMFT
California 17 years in practice
Practical therapy and parenting support
- Self esteem
- Career
- Stress, Anxiety
Yanina Lambert
LMFT
California 20 years in practice English, Spanish
Supportive therapist for parenting and relationships
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship
- Trauma and abuse