Richard Smith, LPC

Richard Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Michigan with four years of clinical experience. He focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, cope with life changes, and work through relationship and trauma-related concerns. He creates a calm atmosphere where clients can speak openly about their thoughts and feelings. Taking the first step into therapy is often hard, and he acknowledges the courage it takes.

Richard uses straightforward, practical methods in sessions. He listens first, then helps clients notice patterns in thought and behavior. Sessions often include simple exercises to try between meetings. The pace is set by the client and their goals.

His approach draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking and behavior. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas to help people accept difficult feelings and act in line with their values. Attachment-based work helps people understand and change long-standing relationship patterns.

Richard pays attention to common life stressors like midlife shifts, fatherhood pressures, and career transitions. He also supports people facing more painful issues such as trauma, infidelity, or addiction-related patterns. Conversations focus on practical steps and clearer communication.

Clients can expect an approachable, nonjudgmental therapist who values honesty and steady progress. Sessions are tailored to the person sitting across from him, with an emphasis on skills that can be practiced day to day. He welcomes international clients and conducts work in English.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Richard draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients spot unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that reinforce anxiety or low mood. CBT sessions often include clear steps and short activities that clients try between meetings to see real change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is used to help people notice difficult emotions without getting stuck and to take actions that match their values. This approach suits issues like stress, life transitions, and chronic worry. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships, helping people identify how early bonds shape current reactions and communication. That work can lower relationship tension and improve connection.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they try methods and adjust the plan based on what actually helps, rather than insisting on a single path up front.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video lets people use body language and facial cues. Phone sessions can be shorter check-ins or work better when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text messaging can help with quick check-ins, processing between sessions, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options aim to make therapy easier to fit into busy lives and varied schedules.