- Attachment-based ideas
- Cognitive behavioral work
- Solution-focused steps
About Lance
Dr. Lance Smith is a licensed marital and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience in California. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, ADHD and coping with life changes.
He takes a straightforward, practical approach in sessions. Conversations focus on what is happening now, patterns that repeat, and small changes that can shift how someone reacts. He listens for attachment and communication issues that influence anger and relationship conflict and uses that understanding to guide the work.
Dr. Smith combines methods to match what a person needs. He draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how close bonds shape feelings. He uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thought patterns that feed anger and stress. Solution-focused and client-centered practices keep sessions focused on clear goals and useful steps.
Sessions often include concrete skill practice such as communication exercises, boundary planning, and brief behavioral experiments to test new ways of responding. When trauma or abuse is part of the story, he integrates trauma-focused perspectives alongside family-systems thinking to address long-standing patterns.
His background includes work with individuals, couples, and families across a range of concerns, including autism spectrum issues and caregiver stress. He works in English and practices in California. To start, users follow the site steps for matching and scheduling a first appointment.
How his approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current close relationships shape reactions and expectations. Online sessions use that lens to identify patterns in close relationships and to rehearse new ways of connecting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on linking thoughts, feelings and behavior. In remote sessions this often means tracking reactions between meetings and testing small behavior experiments at home or work. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on concrete goals and small steps that move things forward rather than long discussions about the past.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. He works collaboratively to choose methods that match a client's goals, preferences and daily life. That may mean starting with brief, goal-oriented work and adding attachment or trauma-focused ideas if needed.
Confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online sessions can help fit therapy into a busy day because they reduce travel and can be scheduled around work or caregiving. Phone calls may suit quick check-ins or lower bandwidth needs, while video makes it easier to practice communication exercises. Discuss format preferences during the matching and scheduling steps so sessions fit practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Oklahoma, Utah, California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy concerns, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, ADHD and related issues.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He takes a practical, conversational style that focuses on current patterns and small, testable changes. Sessions blend listening with direct skill practice.
What experience does he bring?
He has 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a licensed marital and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with additional California and Oklahoma LMFT credentials noted.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site steps.