Shanua Smith

Shanua Smith is a licensed counselor who helps people facing grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. She practices in South Dakota and brings 19 years of experience to her work. Shanua focuses on practical support that fits into everyday life.

She creates a calm, non-judgmental space where people can talk through what feels overwhelming. Sessions aim to help people understand their reactions, build coping skills, and try new ways of relating to themselves and others. Shanua uses straightforward tools rather than clinical jargon.

Her work is tailored to the person in front of her. She mixes approaches such as client-centered techniques and cognitive behavioral strategies to match each person’s needs. For people with trauma histories she may draw on trauma-focused methods and EMDR as appropriate.

Shanua also supports concerns like addictions, caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, relationship and intimacy issues, and parenting strains. She addresses related problems including sleep, eating, body image, and feelings of emptiness or shame. Practical problem-solving and skill building are common parts of sessions.

People often come to Shanua for help with coping after loss, managing intense emotions, or making changes in work and family life. She works collaboratively, setting goals and checking progress as therapy continues. The overall aim is clearer choices, steadier responses, and improved daily functioning.

Therapeutic approaches and online care options

Shanua uses client-centered work that focuses on the person’s experience and goals, helping them feel heard and move toward clearer decisions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another approach she uses to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. For trauma-related concerns she may draw on trauma-focused techniques and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reduce the intensity of painful memories and reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shanua will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit best based on their needs and goals. She checks in regularly and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

The profile does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow short check-ins when schedules demand, or reduce travel time. It also lets people use approaches like CBT and trauma-focused work in a way that fits their everyday life, while the therapist and client agree on goals, homework, and pacing.