Brian Smerdon, LMHC

Brian Smerdon is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 11 years of clinical experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and life transitions. He works with issues related to self-esteem, motivation, confidence, and coping with significant change, drawing on a range of therapeutic methods to meet each person where they are.

Brian approaches therapy from the perspective that each person is the expert of their own story, and he seeks to help clients identify and build on their existing strengths. He emphasizes collaboration and practical skills, helping clients explore patterns, develop healthier ways of coping, and set achievable goals for change. His background includes work with complex themes such as abandonment, attachment concerns, caregiver stress, addiction, and end-of-life counseling.

Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and Brian recognizes the courage involved in reaching out for support. He aims to provide steady, respectful care while helping clients clarify priorities and move toward greater resilience and well-being. As an LMHC he combines evidence-informed approaches with a client-centered attitude to tailor care to each person’s needs.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Brian uses client-centered therapy to create a collaborative space where the client’s perspective guides the work. This approach focuses on active listening, empathy, and supporting clients to identify their own goals and strengths, and it is helpful for building self-esteem and navigating life changes.

He also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT offers practical tools for managing anxiety, stress, and symptoms linked to trauma or mood challenges.

Mindfulness therapy is used to help clients develop present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to stressful thoughts and emotions. Simple mindfulness practices can support coping with grief, overwhelm, and ongoing stressors.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Brian works collaboratively with clients to assess needs, try different strategies, and tailor techniques to each person’s goals and preferences. He helps clients weigh options and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy provides flexible ways to connect - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule or to access care from different locations. These options aim to increase accessibility and make consistent, focused support more manageable for clients.