Lura Smedstad, LPC
- Trauma and grief support
- CBT and art therapy
- Accepting Minnesota clients
About Lura Smedstad
Over the course of her career she served with Unity Churches in Clear Lake, Texas; Taos, New Mexico; Charlotte, North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; and Key West, Florida. In 1993 she relocated to Minneapolis and established a three-year school focused on personal growth and spiritual development, leading the program for a decade and drawing students from many helping professions. She completed practicums in both Counseling and Art Therapy while working at a psychiatric hospital in Key West, and later earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy.
From 2016 to 2021 she worked as an associate at an established counseling clinic, and since the COVID-19 period she has maintained a telehealth practice from her home office. Clients have characterized her style as “direct but compassionate!” and she often invites people to connect with what she calls the Voice of Wisdom within. Lura’s training in art therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques informs a flexible, individualized approach to care as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Lura Smedstad have?
Lura Smedstad has 20 years of experience in counseling and therapy.
Is Lura Smedstad a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds the credential LPC. License details: MN LPC 01916.
In which languages does Lura Smedstad provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Lura Smedstad located?
She is located in Minnesota.
How can I work with Lura Smedstad as my therapist?
You can work with Lura Smedstad through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Lura Smedstad work with international clients?
No, Lura Smedstad does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Lura Smedstad cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches for Online Therapy and How They Help
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and teaching practical skills to shift those patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life changes.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses within relationships, helping individuals and couples improve connection, communication, and intimacy.
Mindfulness Therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle attention to bodily sensations and emotions, supporting stress reduction, emotional regulation, and a more grounded response to triggering situations.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process - the therapist works with each client to explore goals, preferences, and life context, and may blend methods to fit changing needs.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet - video calls, phone conversations, live chat, and text-based messaging allow scheduling around work, family, and mobility concerns. For many clients this flexibility makes it easier to maintain continuity of care, try new therapeutic techniques between sessions, and access licensed professionals from the comfort of home or other convenient locations.