- Communication skills
- Trauma recovery
- Life purpose
About Shawn
Shawn Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Louisiana with 30 years of experience. She works with people facing major life changes and with those seeking clearer sense of purpose. Her practice emphasizes family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Shawn focuses on practical skills clients can use between sessions. She helps people improve communication, strengthen self-esteem, and manage anger and stress. She also supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and veterans adjusting after service.
Her approach draws on client-centered principles alongside cognitive behavioral techniques and DBT skills. That means sessions often include listening closely to what matters to the person and trying small, concrete changes to thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are also used to clarify goals and keep progress moving.
Shawn works in plain language and aims to identify manageable steps during meetings. Conversations explore how personal history shapes current choices and relationships. She checks in on what is working and adapts plans as needed.
People seek Shawn when they feel stuck after a life change, want to repair or better understand family dynamics, or need tools to cope with trauma-related symptoms. She also helps those who are sorting out life purpose and next steps. The emphasis is on practical strategies, steady pacing, and building everyday coping skills.
How her approaches translate to online work
Shawn commonly draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in session. Client-centered therapy means the therapist listens closely and follows the client’s priorities, helping people name what matters and set realistic goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at how thoughts and actions affect mood and behavior, and uses small experiments and skill-building to change unhelpful patterns.She also uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance when needed. DBT skills teach concrete ways to cope with strong feelings and improve interactions with others, which can be helpful for anger, relationship strain, and intense stress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Shawn will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That assessment happens over the first few sessions and can be adjusted as progress is reviewed.
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, remote sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow quick check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. These practical benefits help people maintain consistency while practicing new skills in day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with family problems, trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting stress, anger, and related issues like codependency and communication problems.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses client-centered listening combined with cognitive and behavioral tools to identify small, practical steps. Sessions focus on what matters now and on building skills to test new ways forward.
What is her clinical background?
She has 30 years of experience working with people on trauma recovery, family dynamics, and life transitions, including veterans and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Louisiana.
Which languages are supported and can she work internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to see what is offered.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.