Brett Smith, LMFT
Veteran LMFT specializing in trauma and relationships
- Trauma and personality disorders
- DBT and hypnotherapy expertise
- Veteran and law enforcement insight
About Brett Smith
Brett Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 22 years of clinical experience who combines lived experience with clinical training to support people navigating trauma, relationship challenges, mood concerns, and a wide range of life stresses. A combat veteran and former law enforcement officer, he brings an informed perspective on trauma that spans both the clinical and lived sides of injury and recovery. His work has focused heavily on trauma and personality-related concerns, and he frequently helps clients address anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, parenting and intimacy-related issues.
His therapeutic style is direct and results-oriented. He primarily utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy - a skills-based approach that emphasizes emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness - while remaining flexible to integrate other methods when indicated. He also holds post-graduate training in hypnotherapy and is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist practicing Ericksonian and transformational techniques. Years working in emergency departments performing psychiatric assessments have sharpened his diagnostic skills and his ability to manage complex presentations.
Outside of practice Brett enjoys sailing with his wife, with plans to live aboard and travel, and he spends time backpacking, kayaking, and training dogs. He shares educational videos related to his work on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bashleys. Brett seeks to help people move from merely coping toward reclaiming a fuller sense of life and possibility.
His therapeutic style is direct and results-oriented. He primarily utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy - a skills-based approach that emphasizes emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness - while remaining flexible to integrate other methods when indicated. He also holds post-graduate training in hypnotherapy and is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist practicing Ericksonian and transformational techniques. Years working in emergency departments performing psychiatric assessments have sharpened his diagnostic skills and his ability to manage complex presentations.
Outside of practice Brett enjoys sailing with his wife, with plans to live aboard and travel, and he spends time backpacking, kayaking, and training dogs. He shares educational videos related to his work on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bashleys. Brett seeks to help people move from merely coping toward reclaiming a fuller sense of life and possibility.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesInfidelityJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexuality
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Hypnotherapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Brett Smith have?
Brett Smith has 22 years of experience in the counseling field.
Is Brett Smith a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details are CA LMFT 46410.
In which languages does Brett Smith provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Brett Smith located?
He is located in California.
How can I work with Brett Smith as my therapist?
You can work with Brett Smith through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Brett Smith work with international clients?
Yes, Brett Smith works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Brett Smith cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Brett Smith draws on several evidence-informed methods to support clients in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier behaviors; it is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - it is often applied for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and personality-related challenges. Hypnotherapy, informed by Ericksonian and transformational techniques, uses focused attention and guided imagery to support shifts in perception, coping, and habit change.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Brett works with clients to evaluate needs, goals, and preferences, tailoring methods and adapting as progress unfolds so the approach fits each person rather than the other way around.
Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers practical flexibility - it makes scheduling easier, reduces travel time, and allows people to access licensed professionals from different locations. These options enable continuity of care and make it simpler to integrate therapy into daily life while still working toward meaningful change.