Therapist profile
Shanua Smith, LPC-MH
Licensed counselor - Family and parenting concerns
Continue with ShanuaAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma informed methods
- Parenting support
About Shanua
Shanua Smith is an LPC-MH (Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health) practicing in South Dakota with 19 years of clinical experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship concerns, parenting strain, and other everyday pressures that show up at home.
She works with adults who are managing grief, substance concerns, eating and sleeping problems, anger, low self-esteem, and the effects of major life changes. She also addresses issues such as intimacy-related concerns, ADHD, bipolar mood patterns, and compassion fatigue. The description lists additional focuses including attachment and abandonment, caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, and forgiveness work.
Her sessions use practical, evidence-informed methods. She draws from client-centered approaches to listen and understand each person’s perspective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and develop workable behavior changes. Trauma-focused tools and EMDR are listed among her approaches for processing traumatic memories.
Shanua also uses Motivational Interviewing to support people making changes, such as reducing addictive behaviors or improving daily routines. Her style is straightforward and aimed at helping people build coping skills and clearer communication at home. She practices in English and works from South Dakota.
To begin, the site’s process asks visitors to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first appointment. Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How sessions work
How Shanua uses therapeutic approaches online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person’s experience. It is about reflecting what someone says, clarifying goals, and helping them find their own solutions. This approach supports people working through relationship strain, parenting stress, and day-to-day emotional load.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify thought patterns that lead to anxiety or low mood and replaces them with practical behavior changes. It is commonly used for stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating difficulties. Trauma-Focused Therapy, including EMDR when appropriate, offers structured ways to process traumatic memories and reduce the distress they cause.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Shanua will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and goals. She looks at the issues presented, the client’s preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before to shape sessions together.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - shorter check-ins, sessions that don’t require travel, and the ability to schedule around child care or work breaks. Licensed professionals can adapt activities such as CBT worksheets, EMDR protocols, and motivational interviewing techniques to work remotely when appropriate.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
19+ years
Listed in
South Dakota
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of family and parenting concerns does she address?
She helps people with parenting strain, communication problems, intimacy-related issues, and the stress that family responsibilities can cause.
What is her overall approach in sessions?
Her work blends client-centered listening with practical tools. Techniques include CBT, trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing when appropriate.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Shanua has 19 years of experience working as a licensed counselor in South Dakota.
What credential and location are listed?
She is listed as LPC-MH and practices in South Dakota.
Can I speak with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she see clients outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Costs vary with location and the service uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and 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 anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.