Shawn Smith , LCSW

Shawn Smith is a Louisiana-based licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience. She focuses on helping people recover from trauma, strengthen self-esteem, and manage stress and anxiety. Shawn has a long history supporting women and veterans, as well as people affected by sexual assault and domestic violence.

She centers sessions on clear communication skills. Shawn helps people name patterns that cause pain and then practices new ways to respond. Her style is warm and direct, aimed at building practical coping tools for everyday life.

Shawn uses straightforward methods to address grief, anger, parenting struggles, and major life changes. She works with clients who feel stuck after loss or who need help setting personal boundaries. She also helps those who want to explore life purpose and rebuild self-love after difficult experiences.

Across her practice she blends talk-based and skills-focused work. Sessions often include mindful breathing, thought-challenging, and step-by-step behavior changes. Shawn tailors each plan to the person's priorities and pace.

Her approach respects cultural background and individual differences. People who choose her typically find a steady, compassionate guide for making concrete changes. Shawn aims to help people leave therapy with clearer goals and better tools for daily challenges.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Shawn practices Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening deeply and following the person's concerns. This method helps people feel heard and build goals that matter to them. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - to identify unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes that reduce anxiety and depression.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shawn will discuss options and try techniques together so the plan fits the client's goals and comfort level. That collaboration helps shape what is emphasized each week and which tools are practiced between sessions.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people keep visual contact and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or during a quick check-in. Live chat or text-based messaging supports shorter check-ins, ongoing encouragement, and follow-up between live sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or travel while using the same therapeutic approaches.