Shanua Smith , LPC-MH

Shanua Smith is a licensed therapist practicing in South Dakota with 19 years of experience guiding people through complex emotional challenges. As an LPC-MH - a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mental Health - she blends compassionate support with evidence-based techniques to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship strains, and life transitions.

Her practice emphasizes a welcoming, non-judgmental space where individuals can safely explore their inner experience and develop practical strategies for healing. Shanua uses a personalized, holistic approach that draws on proven methods to help with self-esteem, communication barriers, social anxiety, grief, and ongoing personal growth.

Shanua’s work centers on empowering clients to make sense of their experiences, build resilience, and replace old patterns with healthier emotional habits. She partners with each person to identify goals and develop tools that fit everyday life, whether the issue is workplace stress, relationship conflict, or a desire for deeper self-understanding.

Committed to walking alongside clients with empathy and professional skill, Shanua brings steadiness and practical guidance to the therapeutic journey.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Shanua Smith uses client-centered therapy to create a compassionate, listening-focused space where clients lead the conversation and identify goals. This approach helps people who need empathetic support while they explore feelings like grief, shame, or low self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is another core method she employs; it focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with more effective patterns, which is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues. Shanua also integrates EMDR for clients processing traumatic memories - this approach addresses distressing experiences and the memories tied to them, helping reduce their emotional intensity.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy, and Shanua works collaboratively with each person to choose or blend methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She reviews progress together and adjusts the plan as needed so the work stays relevant and effective.

Online therapy with Shanua is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic limits. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to use therapeutic tools in ways that fit everyday life, while still working with licensed professionals and therapists who guide the process.