- Client-centered work
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Solution-focused steps
About Shawanda
Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith is a Louisiana psychologist with 16 years of practice. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, depression, grief, parenting challenges, and anger. She also supports people dealing with trauma, addictions, career changes, ADHD, and questions about intimacy and self-esteem.
She uses clear, practical methods in sessions. Conversations focus on current problems and steps that can change daily patterns. She offers psychoeducation about how development, biology, and social factors relate to feelings and behavior. Sessions aim to make difficult emotions easier to understand and manage.
Her work draws on client-centered approaches alongside cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods. That means she listens for what matters most to the client, spots unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and looks for small changes that lead to relief. Mindfulness techniques are used to help with focus and with noticing reactions as they happen.
Dr. Woods-Smith combines direct skills practice with a collaborative planning style. She outlines options, explains what each approach involves, and helps people try the methods that fit their daily life. The emphasis is practical - learning a new way to respond, trying it between sessions, and adjusting the plan as needed.
People who want concrete steps for handling anger, rebuilding communication, or managing mood shifts may find this approach helpful. Her background includes work on blended family issues, caregiver stress, forgiveness and grief, immigration challenges, and other life transitions.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy means the therapist listens closely to what matters most to the client and follows their priorities. This style helps when anger feels tied to relationships or identity, since sessions begin with the client's goals and concerns.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing small changes. It is useful for anger that comes from habit, workplace frustration, or repetitive negative thinking because it teaches concrete skills to shift reactions.
Mindfulness therapy trains simple attention and noticing skills so people can see rising anger earlier. That awareness often creates space to choose a different response instead of reacting automatically.
Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the work. The therapist will review options, explain what each method involves, and decide together which techniques fit the client's needs, goals, and preferences. The plan can be adjusted over time as progress is observed.
The biography does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. In practical terms, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. These benefits help people try new ways of responding to anger while keeping therapy manageable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues are addressed here?
She works with angry reactions tied to relationships, work stress, resentment, and managing someone else’s anger. Anger is listed alongside other concerns such as grief, trauma, and parenting.
What is the therapist's general approach to sessions?
Sessions use client-centered listening combined with CBT and solution-focused techniques. The focus is on practical steps, noticing patterns, and trying new responses in daily life.
How much experience does she have?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is listed as LA Psychologist 1298 and practices in Louisiana.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted. Sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.