ChangeAtYourPace.org Need help now?

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Rena Smith

Rena Smith

LCSW

Louisiana

Compassionate, goal-focused care

Continue with Rena

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Louisiana / 5663
Experience
23 years
Languages
English
Location
Louisiana

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational interviewing
    • Goal oriented
    • Strengths based

    About Rena

    Rena Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience helping people face stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship struggles, and the aftereffects of trauma. She approaches therapy with respect for each person's own story and strengths. Rena encourages practical steps and steady progress rather than quick fixes.

    Rena uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to build skills for managing difficult thoughts and feelings. Sessions focus on clear goals and what works in everyday life.

    People come to Rena for many concerns, including grief, parenting strain, anger, career changes, and coping with life transitions. She also supports those dealing with addiction, bipolar mood challenges, eating concerns, and compassion fatigue. Additional focus areas include codependency, family of origin issues, and sexuality-related concerns such as infidelity.

    Rena frames work as a collaboration. She listens, helps clarify priorities, and suggests exercises that fit each person's routine. Progress is tracked in small, achievable steps so changes feel manageable.

    Located in Louisiana, Rena practices with an emphasis on respect for cultural background and life context. She works in English and draws on two decades of experience to tailor plans that match practical needs and personal values.

  2. How Rena’s Approaches Work for Online Therapy

    Rena draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people discover their own reasons for change by asking open questions and reflecting what matters to them. This approach is useful when someone feels stuck or unsure about taking steps forward. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on noticing difficult thoughts and choosing actions aligned with personal values. ACT can help with stress, anxiety, and life transitions.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. Rena aims to collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences. She listens to what matters most and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

    The practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling around work or family demands and being able to meet without travel. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm current options before booking so you know whether phone or video sessions are offered. Online work can make it simpler to fit short check-ins or regular weekly sessions into a busy life and supports keeping momentum between appointments.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief

    Also works with

    Family conflictsEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

    Additional focus areas

    Avoidant personalityCodependencyDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobia

    Therapeutic approaches

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    23+ years

    Listed in

    Louisiana

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What issues does Rena help people with?

    Rena supports people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting pressure. She also helps with career changes, bipolar challenges, eating issues, and compassion fatigue.

    What is her therapeutic style like?

    Her style is collaborative and practical. She uses Motivational Interviewing to elicit personal motivation and combines it with ACT and CBT tools to build coping skills.

    What experience does she bring?

    She has 23 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns and life transitions. That background informs how she tailors plans to each person.

    What are her credentials and location?

    She is an LCSW licensed in Louisiana. Sessions are offered from that regional practice base.

    Which languages are supported?

    Sessions are offered in English only. International clients are not currently accepted.

    What session formats are available?

    Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. The therapist or platform can clarify whether video or phone sessions are offered.

    How does cost work?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists

Rena Smith Continue with Rena