Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith , LA Psychologist 1298

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith is a licensed psychologist in Louisiana with 16 years of clinical experience, holding the state license number LA Psychologist 1298. She brings extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups to address a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, career challenges, addiction, grief, parenting and blended family matters, and neurodiverse presentations such as ADHD and bipolar disorder.

Her approach blends evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy with client-centered and mindfulness-informed strategies to create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Woods-Smith emphasizes a collaborative, supportive counseling style that invites clients to explore practical tools, shift unhelpful patterns, and build skills that align with their values and goals. She also incorporates motivational interviewing when readiness and ambivalence about change are central issues.

In addition to direct therapeutic work, Dr. Woods-Smith is committed to psychoeducation for couples, parents, and individuals so they can better understand how developmental, biological, and social factors influence their concerns. She frames therapy as a process of support and empowerment, helping people move toward greater emotional balance and more satisfying relationships.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Dr. Woods-Smith integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this practical approach is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the client’s own strengths to promote self-understanding and growth. Mindfulness Therapy complements these methods by teaching present-moment awareness and calming techniques useful for stress, emotional regulation, and trauma-related symptoms.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Woods-Smith works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they assess progress and adjust strategies so care remains aligned with what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and access when in-person visits are impractical. These formats make it possible to continue consistent work on relationships, mood, or life transitions while fitting therapy into a busy or changing life, with licensed professionals guiding the process.