Dr. Frederick Smoot, LMFT

Dr. Frederick Smoot is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. He brings five years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, intimacy-related issues, grief, addictions, and other life changes. He presents a calm, respectful presence and encourages people to take the step toward change.

He uses a warm, curious style and aims to speak honestly while keeping conversations free of shame. Sessions focus on clear goals chosen together. He tailors plans to each person rather than using one fixed path.

Dr. Smoot draws from several approaches to guide his work. He blends client-centered listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices. He also incorporates elements from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the Gottman Method when they fit a person’s goals.

In a typical session he listens closely, asks questions to clarify patterns, and helps people try small changes between meetings. He also addresses broader life issues such as parenting stress, caregiver strain, career pressure, and problems that follow trauma or loss.

People reach out to him for help with intimacy and relationship strains, coping after separation, managing guilt or shame, and dealing with addictions or compassion fatigue. He accepts international clients and conducts work in English. To begin, clients follow the site's matching and scheduling steps to set up a first meeting.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Dr. Smoot often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in his work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and focus on actions that match their values. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and helps people try small changes to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.

He also draws on client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening and building a respectful therapeutic relationship. That approach supports people who need a steady, nonjudgmental space while they figure out goals and make choices about next steps. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process; the therapist will work with the client to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm which session options are offered before booking since the biography does not list formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow quicker check-ins when life gets hectic. It can also let people avoid video when bandwidth or camera use is difficult, or choose shorter meetings for focused concerns. The therapist will discuss what will work best during the first conversations so sessions match day-to-day life.