Profile / United States
Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith, LA Psychologist 1298
Louisiana
LA Psychologist - Anxiety and Relationships
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-focused methods
- Mindfulness strategies
About Shawanda
Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith is a Louisiana psychologist with 16 years of experience. She sees adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, trauma and abuse, career pressures, substance issues, grief, parenting strains, and related life changes.
She uses straightforward methods to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears in her approach, alongside client-centered and solution-focused ideas. Sessions include education about how thoughts, feelings, and actions link together so people can try small changes and see what helps.
Her method emphasizes clear goals and step-by-step strategies. That can mean setting short-term aims, testing new ways of responding, and tracking what changes over time. She also draws on mindfulness and motivational interviewing to support pacing and readiness for change.
Dr. Woods-Smith has worked with a wide range of concerns across individual, group, and couple settings. Her background includes teaching clients practical skills for communication, managing anger, and coping with grief or major life transitions.
People who prefer structured sessions with concrete tools may find this style useful. She also offers psychoeducation about development and social or cultural factors that can affect emotional concerns. To begin, readers are asked to follow the provided steps to match and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr. Woods-Smith commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and test unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT sessions focus on setting clear goals, practicing new responses, and reviewing results so clients can see what works for day-to-day problems like anxiety, low mood, or relationship conflicts.She also uses Client-Centered Therapy to listen and reflect so clients can identify their own priorities. That approach emphasizes collaborative conversation and the client's perspective when choosing steps to try. Mindfulness Therapy is used to build moment-to-moment awareness and calmness, which can help with stress, impulsive reactions, and managing strong emotions.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. She will discuss goals, try specific techniques, and adjust the plan together based on what the client finds helpful. This makes the process collaborative and practical rather than rigid.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekday break, reduce travel time, or use shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Licensed professionals can apply the same CBT exercises, goal setting, and mindfulness practices in remote appointments as they do in person.
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 problems does she address most often?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, career pressures, addictions, parenting and similar life changes.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and to try practical alternatives. Sessions often include skill practice and short experiments to track what changes.
What is her professional background?
She has 16 years of experience as a practicing psychologist and combines several practical approaches to help clients reach their stated goals.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is listed as LA Psychologist 1298 and practices in Louisiana.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin work with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.