Daniel Smolen, LCSW

Therapist in California

Practical, strengths-based therapy for everyday struggles

Continue with Daniel

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30 years of experience listed

LCSW professional credentials

English languages

Strengths focused
Practical tools
Mindfulness informed

About Daniel

Daniel Smolen is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience. He helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship strain, and parenting pressures. He also supports those dealing with trauma, anger, LGBT concerns, and family conflict.

Daniel listens first and works from there. He treats clients as the experts on their own lives and helps them build on strengths that are already present. Sessions focus on practical steps that can be used between meetings. The tone is straightforward and encouraging, aimed at making progress feel possible.

He commonly uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. Mindfulness practices are added to help people calm intense emotions and stay grounded in the present. These methods are used together to address mood, anxiety, and relationship patterns.

Daniel has worked across a range of concerns for three decades, including blended family issues, caregiver stress, communication problems, post-traumatic stress, and self-harm thoughts. He is based in California and holds the credential LCSW, which stands for licensed clinical social worker.

Getting started involves a simple sign-up and a short matching questionnaire. Daniel aims to create a practical plan that fits each person’s life, with clear next steps and tools to try between sessions.

How CBT and Mindfulness Help in Online Therapy

Daniel often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice thoughts that fuel anxiety or low self-esteem and to try new, more helpful behaviors. CBT focuses on specific situations and practical experiments that can reduce worry and improve relationships.

He also brings mindfulness therapy into sessions to teach attention and breathing practices that calm strong emotions and improve focus. Mindfulness can be useful for stress, anger, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress by building steady ways to respond to difficult feelings.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide whether CBT, mindfulness, or a combination fits best based on goals and daily life. This is an ongoing choice that can change as progress is made.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current online options before booking. Many people choose online sessions because they fit around work, caregiving, or school schedules and they make it easier to keep regular appointments. Online work can also let the therapist assign short between-session practices, like brief mindfulness exercises or thought records, that are simple to complete in everyday settings.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteem Depression

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

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

He works with stress, anxiety, self-esteem and depression along with relationship and family issues. Other areas include parenting, anger, trauma and LGBT-related concerns.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He takes a straightforward, strengths-based approach and treats clients as the expert of their story. Sessions focus on practical steps and skills to use between meetings.

What experience does he bring?

He has 30 years of professional experience helping people with mood, anxiety, relationship and family challenges. That background includes work on blended family issues and caregiver stress.

What are his credentials and where is he located?

He is an LCSW, which stands for licensed clinical social worker, and practices in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process to begin therapy?

Start by selecting the continue button on this profile and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.