Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith , LA Psychologist 1298

Dr. Shawanda M. Woods-Smith is a licensed psychologist based in Louisiana with 16 years of clinical experience. She holds the state license LA Psychologist 1298, indicating her qualification to practice psychology in Louisiana. Over the course of her career she has worked with a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, career challenges, grief and loss, trauma and abuse, addictions, and parenting issues. She provides therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups, tailoring care to each person or system she works with.

Her approach draws on solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, rational-emotive behavioral strategies and person-centered principles to help clients make practical changes and build skills. Dr. Woods-Smith emphasizes a supportive, collaborative counseling style that produces individualized treatment plans rather than one-size-fits-all prescriptions. She also prioritizes psychoeducation for couples, parents and individuals, helping clients understand how developmental, biological and social-cultural factors relate to the issues they face.

Clients can expect clear, goal-oriented work that balances skill-building with empathy and understanding. Dr. Woods-Smith combines evidence-informed methods with attention to each person’s values and context to promote improved emotional balance and healthier relationships.

Online Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Dr. Woods-Smith commonly uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and respectful listening, creating space for clients to explore their feelings and values while the therapist follows the client's lead; it is helpful for improving self-esteem, relationship dynamics and emotional insight. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and skill-building, which can be especially useful for anxiety, depression and stress-related concerns. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on identifying goals and small, achievable steps toward change, making it well suited to clients seeking concrete progress in areas like relationships, career transitions or coping with life changes.

Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Woods-Smith works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. She tailors techniques over time based on what proves most effective for each person.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging offer flexibility and accessibility for clients with busy schedules, mobility limits or geographic constraints. These options allow clients to connect with licensed professionals and therapists from familiar environments while maintaining continuity of care and making it easier to integrate therapy into everyday life.