Rodney "Rod" Smith, LPC

Rodney "Rod" Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Missouri and Idaho who supports people working through addictions, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, depression, and major life changes. He combines clinical experience with a personal history of recovery to inform a direct and empathetic approach to therapy.

Rod draws on lived experience of overcoming past addictions, episodes of depression, and sexual abuse to connect with clients who are facing similar challenges. That background complements his professional training and shapes an authentic style that emphasizes honesty, acceptance, and practical motivation toward meaningful change.

Professionally, he has served as a mental health provider in a prison setting for seven years, offering individual and group therapy and conducting evaluations and therapeutic interventions. He has worked across mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorder settings and provides services tailored to each person’s needs. He also has education in biblical-guided counseling and offers faith-informed options when clients request that approach.

Rod approaches counseling with a focus on collaboration and respect, helping people rebuild communication, address control and process addictions, heal from trauma, and find renewed direction after separation, loss, or other life transitions.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Rodney "Rod" Smith draws from client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide his online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens deeply and follows the client's pace and priorities - this approach helps people explore values, identity, and life purpose. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical skills to change behaviors and emotional responses, making it useful for depression, anxiety, and many forms of addiction.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Rodney works collaboratively with each person to determine what methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts techniques and pacing so therapy remains relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy with Rodney is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing flexibility for those balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care from wherever the client is located in Missouri, and they support different communication styles and comfort levels while working toward recovery and improved relationships.