Shanua Smith

Shanua Smith is a licensed counselor (LPC-MH) in South Dakota with 19 years of clinical experience. She helps people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship struggles, grief, and changes at work or at home. Her style is warm and direct, focused on practical steps people can use every day.

Shanua works from a person-centered stance that values each person's goals and pace. She combines that with trauma-focused therapy when past events continue to cause distress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools and EMDR are also part of her toolbox when they fit a client's needs. Sessions are collaborative, with an emphasis on building skills for emotion regulation and healthier patterns of thinking and relating.

She often helps people facing parenting challenges, caregiving strain, addiction concerns, sleep and eating problems, and identity or attachment struggles. Shanua also addresses issues like compassion fatigue, burnout, and career-related stress. Her approach aims to reduce symptoms while helping clients strengthen coping strategies for the long term.

In the therapy room, Shanua creates a calm, nonjudgmental space to talk through hard topics. She uses clear language and practical exercises rather than technical jargon. Over time she supports clients in testing new ways of relating, setting boundaries, and increasing self-compassion.

People who choose Shanua can expect a steady, goal-oriented partnership. She helps clients set small, achievable steps and reviews progress regularly. If you want a therapist who listens closely and works with several evidence-informed approaches, Shanua offers that blend in her South Dakota practice.

How trauma-informed and skill-based approaches translate to online work

Shanua uses trauma-focused therapy to address the lasting effects of traumatic events. That approach helps people process difficult memories and reduce reactivity so daily life feels more manageable. Client-Centered Therapy is another core part of her work and focuses on listening closely to each person's goals and moving at their pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) gives clear strategies for changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be practiced between sessions.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Shanua will discuss options with each person and adjust methods based on their needs, goals, and comfort. Clients and therapist decide together what to try first and how to track progress over time.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets therapists guide self-help exercises, breathing practices, and CBT worksheets between meetings to reinforce learning. Ask about available session styles and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire.