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- CBT
- Mindfulness
- Parenting support
About Daniel
LCSW in California with 30 years of experience, Daniel Smolen helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, family and parenting concerns, anger, depression, trauma and LGBT-related issues. He works with people facing low self-esteem, social anxiety, self-harm concerns, and young adult challenges. Sessions focus on clear conversation and practical steps rather than jargon.
Daniel uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy to guide his work. He talks through thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. He also teaches mindfulness skills to reduce reactivity and to notice patterns without judgement.
In sessions he treats each person as the expert on their life. He listens for strengths and builds on what already works. He aims to make therapy a collaborative process where goals are set together and progress is tracked in concrete ways.
His background spans three decades of practice in California. That experience includes helping people with blended family tensions, caregiver stress, communication breakdowns, and post-traumatic stress. He has also supported people dealing with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) concerns and self-love challenges.
People can expect straightforward discussion, homework that links to daily life, and repeated skills practice. Daniel uses plain language and checks in about what is or isn’t working. To start, a short questionnaire helps match needs and schedule a first session where goals are established.
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How CBT and Mindfulness inform online work
Daniel uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change thought and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. CBT breaks problems into manageable steps and often includes exercises to practice between sessions.Mindfulness Therapy in his work means learning simple attention skills and nonjudgmental noticing. These practices can reduce reactivity to stress and support calmer responses in tense moments.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. He works with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. This is a collaborative process where progress and adjustments are discussed openly.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into daily life by removing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins on busy days. They can also allow for sessions when work or caregiving schedules make in-person visits difficult. Licensed professionals typically adapt CBT exercises and mindfulness practice to work well in virtual settings.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, anger, depression, trauma and LGBT-related concerns, plus related areas like self-esteem and social anxiety.
What approach does he use in sessions?
Sessions draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy. The work focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts, changing behaviors, and practicing attention skills.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 30 years of professional experience in clinical work.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session to set goals.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.