Rodney "Rod" Smith, LPC

Rodney "Rod" Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who helps people facing addictions, depression, trauma, and major life changes. He focuses on practical steps clients can use right away. Rod writes plainly and aims to create an honest, straightforward space for talk and problem solving.

Rod brings about 15 years as a practicing counselor and a longer personal journey that informs his perspective. He has worked in prison mental health for several years providing individual and group sessions. That experience gives him familiarity with addiction, co-occurring concerns, and trauma-related issues.

In sessions he draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. He also uses client-centered methods to listen closely and shape therapy around each person's needs. Dialectical behavior skills are part of his approach when people need concrete tools to manage intense emotions.

Rod also integrates existential themes when clients want to look at meaning, purpose, and values. He has provided faith-informed counseling at clients' request in addition to clinical approaches. He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different routines.

Rod is licensed in Missouri and Idaho and practices from a perspective shaped by long-term personal recovery and professional work. He speaks English and focuses on helping individuals take manageable steps toward improved coping, healthier relationships, and clearer life direction.

How Rod Uses Evidence-Based Approaches Online

Rod commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT often focuses on concrete steps - tracking thoughts, testing new behaviors, and practicing skills between sessions - which can be effective for depression, anxiety, phobias, and addiction-related patterns.

He also uses client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening and shaping sessions around what matters most to the person. That approach supports people who need a steady, respectful space to talk through relationship problems, grief, or questions about life direction.

Finding the best method is collaborative. Rod will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which approaches and tools to try and will adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different routines and needs. Video is useful for a fuller face-to-face feel, phone calls work when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or chat can support quick check-ins or practice between sessions. These options make it easier to receive consistent care while balancing work, family, or travel.