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Shawn Smith

Shawn Smith

LCSW

Louisiana

Experienced therapist focused on healing and growth

Continue with Shawn

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Louisiana / 6402
Experience
30 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
    • Trauma-informed care
    • Practical coping skills

    About Shawn

    Shawn Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience helping people through major life changes and healing after trauma. She focuses on clear, practical support to help clients regain confidence and manage stress. Shawn aims to create a welcoming space where people can talk things through and build skills that fit their daily lives.

    She centers her work on family dynamics, trauma and abuse, and rebuilding self-esteem. She also supports those facing anxiety, depression, grief, parenting strain, anger, and relationship challenges. Her approach emphasizes developing stronger communication and practical coping strategies for everyday situations.

    Shawn uses methods that include Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, and mindfulness practices. These tools are used to help people notice what matters to them, try new ways of responding, and build routines that reduce distress.

    Over three decades in practice have given her experience with a wide range of concerns, including abandonment, codependency, domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse, and veteran and armed forces issues. She brings attention to each person’s background and aims to respect cultural differences during sessions.

    In session Shawn works collaboratively to set goals and track progress. She emphasizes small, achievable steps and teaches skills people can use between meetings. Her style is straightforward, compassionate, and focused on practical change.

  2. How Shawn’s approaches work for online therapy

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational approach that helps people clarify what they want and find internal reasons to make changes. It often helps when someone feels stuck or uncertain about taking next steps.

    Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s own goals and values. In practice this means the therapist listens closely, reflects what they hear, and follows the client’s lead so sessions stay relevant to each person’s life.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. It uses practical exercises and experiments to test new ways of thinking and behaving that reduce anxiety, low mood, or unhelpful patterns.

    Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Shawn will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort. She checks in about what’s working and adjusts the plan over time.

    If you prefer online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, keep appointments during travel, or have shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also allow sessions when video is difficult by using alternatives that suit each person’s situation.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes

    Also works with

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesAnger managementDepression

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentCodependencyCommunication problemsDomestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational Interviewing

    Experience

    30+ years

    Listed in

    Louisiana

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Shawn commonly help with?

    She works with people facing trauma and abuse, family problems, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting strain, anger, and relationship issues.

    What is Shawn’s therapeutic style like?

    Her style is collaborative and practical. She uses clear communication, skill teaching, and reflective listening to help people make small, manageable changes.

    How much clinical experience does she have?

    Shawn has 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker in Louisiana, including work with trauma recovery and life transitions.

    What are her credentials and where is she based?

    She holds an LCSW credential and practices in Louisiana.

    Can people who speak other languages work with her?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Does she work with clients outside the United States?

    She accepts international clients.

    How much do sessions cost?

    Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin a therapy match with Shawn?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist 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

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