Dr. James Smith
LISW-CP
South Carolina
Experienced therapist focused on practical change
Continue with JamesAt a glance
- Credentials
- LISW-CP
- License
- LISW-CP, South Carolina / 16604
- NPI
- 1932960564
- Experience
- 32 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- South Carolina
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Motivational interviewing
- Skills for daily life
- Collaborative approach
About James
Dr. James Smith is a licensed social worker in South Carolina with over three decades of professional experience. He centers sessions on the person in front of him and treats people as experts on their own lives. He encourages small, steady changes and offers calm guidance through difficult moments.
He focuses on common problems like stress, anxiety, anger, and depression. He also helps with relationship and intimacy-related concerns, addiction struggles, trauma and abuse, and big life changes. Additional areas include caregiving stress, body image, communication problems, blended family matters, and issues related to gender and identity.
His way of working blends motivational interviewing with practical therapies. That means he helps people find their own reasons for change while teaching useful skills to manage emotions and behavior. Sessions tend to be straightforward and collaborative, with a focus on what clients want to accomplish.
Dr. Smith draws on approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy alongside client-centered methods. These approaches are used to build coping skills, reduce unhelpful thinking patterns, and increase meaningful action.
People who appreciate a respectful, down-to-earth style may find this approach helpful. The work is paced to each person, and goals are set together. Starting therapy is presented as a step-by-step process rather than a single fix.
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How his approaches translate to online work
Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change by using open questions and reflective listening. Online sessions can use that same conversational style to clarify values and build momentum for small steps. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches practical ways to notice thoughts and choose meaningful actions; it often involves short exercises and focused practice that adapt well to remote meetings.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods match their goals, needs, and preferences. That means trying techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together rather than imposing a single method.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it simpler to practice skills between meetings and to bring real-life situations into discussion during sessions. Licensed professionals can help tailor the session rhythm and tools to what works best for daily life. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Autism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualityYoung adult issuesTherapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingInternal Family SystemsSystemic TherapyExperience
32+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
Dr. Smith works with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. He also addresses a range of related concerns listed in his focus areas.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He uses a collaborative, person-focused style that centers the client's goals. Motivational interviewing and skill-based therapies are woven into sessions to support practical change.
What is his professional background?
He has 32 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and community care. His long career has covered a wide range of behavioral health concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the credential LISW-CP and practices in South Carolina. Those are the professional details provided.
Which languages are supported and can he see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers