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DS Portrait of Daniel Smolen

Daniel Smolen

Compassionate guidance with practical tools

LCSW California

Experience
30 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Daniel

About Daniel

Daniel Smolen is a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, family conflict, parenting challenges, and anger.

Background and approach

He draws on a strengths-based perspective, treating clients as the experts on their own lives while offering tools and guidance to address concerns such as depression, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, LGBT-related issues, and social anxiety. Daniel also works with more specific situations including blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, communication problems, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and young adult issues.

His approach blends practical skill-building with reflective practice, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to help people change unhelpful thinking patterns and cultivate present-moment awareness. Over his career he has supported clients through difficult transitions and emotional setbacks, emphasizing collaboration and gradual, achievable change.

He recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and aims to create a respectful, goal-focused space where clients can explore concerns and build resilience.

Practical approaches and accessible online care

Daniel often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this approach is practical and goal-oriented, and can be helpful for anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and anger. He also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy, which teaches present-moment awareness and calming practices that support emotional regulation and reduce reactivity.

Finding the right approach is part of the work, and Daniel approaches treatment collaboratively. He will help clients clarify goals, try different strategies, and adapt methods to fit individual needs and preferences so that the plan evolves from shared decision-making rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for varied schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy periods and allow clients to choose the mode of contact that feels most comfortable while working toward their goals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
Daniel supports work on stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, parenting and anger, as well as trauma and depression. He also focuses on related areas like self-esteem, LGBT concerns, and social anxiety.
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
The style combines practical skill-building with reflective exploration, emphasizing client strengths and collaboration. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques are used to learn new coping approaches.
What is his professional background?
He has 30 years of experience working with a broad range of emotional and interpersonal difficulties and has developed a strengths-focused, goal-oriented way of working.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds California licensure as an LCSW with license number CA LCSW 20178 and practices from California.
Does he offer sessions in multiple languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for working together?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different scheduling and communication needs.
How is pricing structured for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Post-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English