Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith, LA Psychologist 1298

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith is a licensed psychologist practicing in Louisiana, holding the license LA Psychologist 1298, and bringing 16 years of professional experience to her work. She supports adults, couples, families, and groups through a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, career transitions, grief and loss, and efforts toward personal growth and improved emotional balance.

Her clinical approach integrates Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy to create a practical framework for change. Her style is collaborative and supportive, emphasizing the development of individualized treatment plans that reflect each person’s strengths and goals. She also places a strong emphasis on psychoeducation, helping couples, parents, and individuals understand how developmental, biological, and social or cultural factors may relate to the issues they face.

Dr. Woods-Smith aims to empower people to move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. She encourages those who are ready to take the first step to reach out for support, offering guidance that is respectful, goal-oriented, and informed by years of clinical experience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith blends several evidence-informed approaches to tailor therapy to each person’s needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on providing a respectful, nonjudgmental space in which the therapist follows the client’s lead; this approach supports insight, self-awareness, and personal growth and is helpful for relationship and identity concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying and shifting unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and improve functioning - it is often effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes practical, forward-looking steps and builds on existing strengths to achieve specific goals, which can be especially useful for people seeking focused change in areas like communication, parenting, or life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Woods-Smith collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. Therapy is a team effort in which the therapist and client work together to set priorities and measure outcomes.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules and different life situations. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations, making it easier to maintain consistent care and integrate therapeutic work into daily life.