Dr. Frederick Smoot

Dr. Frederick Smoot is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in California. He brings five years of documented practice to his work and focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, and addiction. He meets clients with a calm, direct presence and a steady, respectful manner.

Dr. Smoot describes his style as warm, curious, and appropriately truth-telling. He aims to create a shame-free space where people can reclaim meaning and move toward goals. He uses an accompanist stance, walking alongside clients rather than lecturing them.

He draws on several practical therapy approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral tools, the Gottman Method for relationship work, and mindfulness practices. Sessions emphasize clear goals and simple strategies that people can try between meetings.

Dr. Smoot often supports people dealing with intimacy-related issues, communication problems, caregiver stress, and the emotional fallout from divorce, infidelity, or loss. He also addresses compassion fatigue, burnout, eating concerns, and struggles with self-esteem.

He prefers to shape therapy goals with each person he sees. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s needs and life circumstances. The first steps include a brief matching questionnaire and scheduling according to availability.

Reaching out for help is framed as a courageous first move. Dr. Smoot encourages people to take that step and offers steady guidance as they work toward clearer direction and improved coping.

How therapy approaches shape online work

Dr. Smoot uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on values-based action. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, and getting unstuck from avoidance. He also draws on client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening, empathy, and building a respectful connection so clients feel heard and understood. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another tool he uses to identify patterns of thinking and try practical behavior changes between sessions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist discusses a person’s goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before, then adjusts methods as needed. Clients are invited to try different techniques and give feedback so the plan can be refined together.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people work with licensed professionals while living in different places, but be sure to verify which session types are offered when you schedule.