Shanua Smith, LPC-MH

Shanua Smith is a licensed professional counselor with a focus on helping people handle stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles. She practices in South Dakota and brings 19 years of experience to sessions. Shanua aims to make therapy direct and practical so clients can use what they learn right away.

In session she listens first and helps people name their priorities. She uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered work to spot unhelpful thinking and build useful habits. EMDR and trauma-focused methods are also part of her toolbox when past events continue to cause distress.

Shanua keeps the work focused on small, achievable steps. People learn skills for sleeping better, managing anger, coping with grief, or handling addictive urges. She also supports people dealing with parenting strain, caregiving stress, career pressures, and identity or body image concerns.

Her style is straightforward and empathetic. Shanua encourages practical exercises between sessions and checks progress regularly. Motivational interviewing is used when people want to find motivation for change or recovery.

Sessions may cover attachment and abandonment issues, communication problems, or the impacts of domestic violence and separation. Shanua helps people build resilience and clearer boundaries so daily life feels more manageable.

She offers therapy in English and works with adults to address a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, bipolar symptoms, compassion fatigue, and coping after disasters. Shanua aims to partner with each person to set goals and track real-world improvements.

How Shanua uses therapeutic approaches online

Shanua uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and change habits that worsen mood or anxiety. CBT sessions focus on clear goals, practical exercises, and homework that can be practiced between meetings to create observable change.

She also uses client-centered therapy, which prioritizes listening and responding to each person's experience. That approach helps people feel heard while they decide on the direction and pace of their work. For trauma that continues to cause distress, EMDR is available as a method to reduce the intensity of painful memories when appropriate.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques, and adjust based on how well they match the client's needs and goals. Shanua partners with clients to pick methods that fit personality, history, and practical concerns.

Online sessions can happen by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility. Video allows face-to-face interaction for skills practice, phone can fit a short check-in or lower bandwidth, and chat or messaging supports ongoing contact or midweek check-ins. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules while still working on concrete goals.