- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Hypnotherapy concepts
- Trauma experience
About Brett
Brett Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 22 years of clinical experience. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship problems, and anger. He also helps with issues such as addictions, self-esteem, grief, sleep and eating concerns, and career or life changes.
Brett brings personal experience with combat-related trauma and a background in law enforcement to his clinical work. That life experience shaped his interest in how trauma changes behavior and why symptoms can persist long after an event. He has spent much of his career helping people manage trauma symptoms and personality-related challenges.
His style is direct and pragmatic. He often uses dialectical behavior therapy, but will move to other methods when a situation calls for it. He has postgraduate study in hypnotherapy and works with Ericksonian and transformational hypnotherapy concepts as part of his toolkit.
Brett has experience performing emergency psychiatric assessments in hospital settings. That work strengthened his diagnostic thinking and his ability to sort through complicated presentations. He draws on those assessment skills when treatment planning and deciding which approach to use.
Outside of practice he sails, hikes, kayaks, and trains dogs with his wife. He also shares educational videos on a public YouTube channel about topics related to what he covers in sessions. The overall aim is practical help so everyday life feels less like an ordeal and more manageable.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Brett commonly uses dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy as part of his clinical work. DBT focuses on learning coping skills for intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors link together and uses practical exercises to change patterns that keep problems going.He also has postgraduate training in hypnotherapy and uses Ericksonian and transformational concepts to support change when appropriate. That approach involves guided relaxation and imagery to help people access different ways of experiencing thoughts and feelings, and can be useful for trauma-related symptoms, sleep issues, and habit change.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will work with clients to decide which combination of methods fits their goals and circumstances. That decision is collaborative and may shift as needs change.
The profile does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, travel, or caregiving by removing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins when needed. They can also let people meet with a licensed professional in California while living elsewhere, including international locations, as noted in his profile.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, relationship problems, addictions, and several related issues such as grief and self-esteem.
How would he describe his approach in sessions?
He uses a direct, practical style and commonly works with dialectical behavior therapy. He also adapts methods when a case needs a different approach.
What experience does he bring to this work?
He has 22 years of clinical experience and personal experience with combat-related trauma, plus background in law enforcement and emergency psychiatric assessments.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LMFT licensed in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the original profile does not list specific formats.
How are fees structured?
Cost varies 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 a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.