Dr. Frederick Smoot, LMFT

Dr. Frederick Smoot is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with five years of clinical experience. As an LMFT he specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy concerns, depression, addiction, grief, parenting challenges, and a range of trauma and life transition issues. He also focuses on related areas such as attachment and abandonment, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, infidelity, and hospice and end-of-life counseling.

His approach blends client-centered engagement with mindful and practical strategies drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He aims to create a respectful, shame-free space where people can explore difficult emotions and make concrete changes. Dr. Smoot describes his style as warm, curious, and appropriately truth-telling, and he works collaboratively with each person to shape meaningful goals and a tailored treatment plan.

As an accompanist in therapy, he uses relational connection and strategic tools to help clients reclaim a sense of direction and dignity. He accepts international clients and offers multiple ways to work together, including video, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging. Dr. Smoot encourages those ready for support to take the next step toward a more hopeful future. (CA LMFT 12959)

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Dr. Smoot integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT helps people clarify personal values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise; it can be especially useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathic relationship where the client guides the pace and topics of work - this approach supports self-exploration, confidence, and relational healing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT offers practical, skills-based strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Smoot works together with each client to assess needs, try different methods, and tailor a plan that fits goals, preferences, and life circumstances. This partnership helps ensure that the chosen strategies feel relevant and useful.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video or phone allow for face-to-face connection from home, while live chat and text-based messaging support shorter or more frequent check-ins. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, accommodate travel or relocation, and connect with licensed professionals across distances while maintaining continuity of care.