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LA Psychologist 1298

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith, LA Psychologist 1298

  • Experience16 years
  • LocationLouisiana
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Check the available next steps for working with Shawanda online.

About Shawanda

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith welcomes people seeking clearer emotional balance and practical strategies for change.

Background and approach

With 16 years of experience as a licensed psychologist in Louisiana (LA Psychologist 1298), she works with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, career challenges, and ADHD.

Her practice also addresses family and communication problems, caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, and topics like forgiveness, guilt, and identity-related concerns. Her style blends supportive collaboration with evidence-based methods to create individualized plans.

Dr. Woods-Smith draws on client-centered principles to prioritize each person's perspective, uses cognitive behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and employs solution-focused strategies to set clear, achievable goals.

She also integrates mindfulness and motivational interviewing when helpful to increase awareness and strengthen commitment to change. She provides psychoeducation alongside therapy to help clients understand how biological, developmental, and social factors shape their concerns.

Clients can expect a practical, respectful approach aimed at empowerment and problem-solving, with attention to both immediate coping and longer-term growth.

Approaches that Translate Well to Online Therapy

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and collaboration so the client’s goals and values shape the work; this approach helps people feel understood while building a trusting working relationship. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to distress and then practicing alternative skills and strategies to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on concrete goals and small, actionable steps so clients can see progress quickly and build momentum toward their preferred life changes.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past to determine which combination of methods fits best, and adjustments can be made as therapy progresses to better meet the client’s needs.

Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to access consistent care without needing to travel. These formats offer flexibility for scheduling, allow therapy to continue during life transitions, and support different communication styles so clients can select the mode that feels most comfortable for them.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, career problems, ADHD, and various family-related matters.
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
The approach is supportive and collaborative, combining client-centered empathy with practical strategies from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods to develop individualized treatment plans.
What is her professional experience?
She brings 16 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families across a variety of life challenges and mental health concerns.
Where is the therapist licensed and located?
She is a licensed psychologist in Louisiana listed as LA Psychologist 1298 and practices from that state.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for therapy?
She conducts sessions via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

16+ years

Licensed

Louisiana

Languages

English

What Shawanda can help with

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, and depression.

Shawanda works with people with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and career challenges.

How Shawanda approaches therapy

Shawanda's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Shawanda is an LA Psychologist 1298 practicing in Louisiana.