Dr. Frederick Smoot , LMFT

Dr. Frederick Smoot is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with five years of professional experience supporting people through challenging life moments. He has worked with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, family and parenting challenges, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, compassion fatigue, eating concerns, career transitions, and other life changes. His practice also addresses issues such as abandonment, attachment and blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, communication problems, infidelity and divorce, and end-of-life and hospice-related concerns.

His counseling approach is warm, curious, and appropriately truth-telling, grounded in consistent presence and respect. He strives to sustain a shame-free environment that empowers people to reclaim their lives and future with dignity. As an accompanist in the therapeutic process, he draws from relational, client-centered, mindful, and strategic methods to shape treatment collaboratively.

Dr. Smoot works with clients to set direction and goals together, tailoring treatment plans to meet each person’s unique needs. He welcomes individuals seeking support and encourages those ready to take a step toward change to reach out for accompaniment on their path forward.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Dr. Smoot uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify personal values, and take meaningful steps forward even when discomfort is present. ACT is useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions where aligning actions with values matters.

He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathic listening, respect, and creating a nonjudgmental space so clients can explore concerns at their own pace. This approach supports relationship, identity, and emotional healing work by centering the person’s experience.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another tool he uses to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and patterns, offering practical strategies for managing mood, anxiety, and behavior. Together these methods provide both compassionate presence and skills-based work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Smoot collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexible ways to engage with licensed professionals. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and travel, support consistent access to therapy, and allow people to work with a therapist from different locations.