Dave Smallen, PhD

Dave approaches therapy as both an artist and a scientist. His career began as a touring musician and later shifted to research focused on the psychology of meaningful relationships. In his work with individuals and couples, he integrates compassion, creativity, and curiosity with current scientific knowledge to support clients in forging their own unique paths toward growth and healing.

Dave’s work is informed by existential, emotion-focused, feminist, and mindfulness-based approaches to therapy. He is passionate about advocating for adults of all backgrounds and identities as they deepen self-understanding, expand their capacity for joy, cope effectively with emotional pain, cultivate secure and mutually supportive relationships, and align their daily lives with a greater sense of purpose. These are values and practices he is equally committed to in his own life as an individual, father, and husband.

Originally from the West Coast, Dave enjoys exploring nature, reading widely, and immersing himself in creative projects outside of work. He holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and currently works under licensed supervision while completing his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.