- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Focused methods
About Shawanda
Dr. Shawanda M. Woods-Smith is a Louisiana Psychologist (LA Psychologist 1298) with 16 years of experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, and addiction. She also addresses parenting and blended family issues and concerns such as communication problems and coping with life changes.
She uses straightforward, goal-oriented methods in sessions. That can mean looking at how thoughts and behaviors interact, practicing skills to manage strong emotions, and identifying small steps that lead to change. Sessions focus on what is practical for the person in front of her, not on labels.
Her background includes work with adults around relationship challenges, career stress, and trauma and abuse. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to shape a plan a person can use outside of sessions.
Her style is collaborative and educational. She offers psychoeducation about how problems may relate to development, biology, and social or cultural factors. That information is used to set realistic goals and track progress over time.
People coming from blended households often want help with merging routines, loyalty conflicts, co-parenting with an ex, and step-parent role questions. She works with those concerns by focusing on communication skills, problem-solving, and practical strategies to reduce ongoing stress.
How her approaches are used in online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person’s perspective. It helps people clarify their own goals and make decisions that feel right for them.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect mood. It includes practical exercises to change unhelpful thinking and build coping skills for anxiety, depression, and relationship stress.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches attention skills and simple practices to reduce reactivity and manage strong emotions. This can be useful for stress, trauma symptoms, and everyday overwhelm.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist and the person will review goals, try methods, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. That collaborative process guides which techniques are emphasized.
Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online work useful because it can fit into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Discussing practical scheduling preferences helps shape sessions that fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, addictions, parenting questions, and blended family issues among other topics.
How would she approach therapy with me?
Her approach is practical and collaborative, using Client-Centered, CBT, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused techniques to set and track achievable goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with a variety of adult concerns including relationship strain and grief.
What credential and location does she hold?
She is a Louisiana Psychologist listed as LA Psychologist 1298 and practices in Louisiana.
Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.