Brett Smith , LMFT

Brett Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 22 years of clinical experience. He began this work after confronting his own PTSD and brings a combined perspective shaped by service as a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. That lived experience informs his deep understanding of trauma - both the clinical features and the personal, day-to-day impact it can have on relationships, work, and self-regard.

Over more than two decades Brett has focused much of his practice on trauma and personality disorders, helping people manage anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship challenges, grief, and a wide range of intimacy- and identity-related concerns. His clinical approach is direct and pragmatic. He relies heavily on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) while remaining flexible to incorporate cognitive behavioral techniques and other modalities as a case requires. He also holds post-graduate training in hypnotherapy and practices as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist using Ericksonian and transformational methods to support deeper change.

Brett's diagnostic and crisis skills were sharpened by work conducting emergency psychiatric assessments in hospital emergency departments, experience that contributes to clear case formulation and practical treatment planning. He works with clients on issues including family-of-origin dynamics, abandonment, codependency, infidelity, first responder and veteran concerns, eating and sleeping difficulties, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Outside of clinical work he and his wife enjoy sailing, backpacking, kayaking, training dogs, and travel, and he maintains a YouTube channel with videos related to his areas of focus. Brett is a LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - and is not currently accepting new clients.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with Brett Smith

Brett integrates evidence-informed methods into online work to address trauma, relationship concerns, mood difficulties, and related challenges. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on building practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - it is often used for intense emotional reactions, relationship conflicts, and self-management. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is commonly applied to anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues. Hypnotherapy, informed by Ericksonian and transformational approaches, supports access to deeper levels of focus and suggestion that some clients find useful for habit change, trauma processing, and shifting emotional patterns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Brett works with each person to clarify goals, preferences, and needs, adapting techniques and combining modalities when that best serves progress. The therapist-client relationship guides which methods are emphasized and how they are applied.

Online therapy with Brett can include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit consistent care into daily life, maintain continuity across locations, and access support in formats that suit individual routines and needs.