Lura Smedstad, LPC
- Trauma and grief
- Anxiety and depression
- Telehealth appointments available
About Lura Smedstad
Her work centers on alleviating the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss while helping clients create sustainable life goals and healthier relationships. She integrates approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, mindfulness practices, and somatic techniques to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. Her clients describe her approach as "direct but compassionate!"
Lura’s background includes many years serving in ministry alongside her husband as a Ministerial Partner in Unity churches across Clear Lake, Texas; Taos, New Mexico; Charlotte, North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; and Key West, Florida. In 1993 she relocated to Minneapolis and co-founded a three-year school focused on personal growth and spiritual maturity, which she led for a decade and that drew students from a variety of professions and faith backgrounds. That ministry and teaching experience inform her relational and developmental perspective in counseling.
Her formal training includes a BA in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy. She completed counseling and art therapy practicum work while employed at a psychiatric hospital in Key West, Florida. From 2016 to 2021 she practiced as an associate in an established counseling clinic in Minneapolis. Since the onset of COVID-19, she has maintained a telehealth practice from her home office, continuing to accept clients and offer flexible options for care. Lura emphasizes helping clients notice and access their inner guidance - "We all have a Voice of Wisdom within us. Part of what I do is to help clients get in touch with that Voice."
Areas of Expertise
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 related ministerial work.
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 by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Virtual Counseling Fit Your Needs?
Many people ask whether meeting with a therapist online really makes a difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.One major benefit is flexibility - individuals can connect with licensed professionals in the format that feels most comfortable, whether by video call, phone session, live chat, or in-app messaging. That flexibility makes it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change.
Licensed professionals offer a range of therapeutic approaches that translate well to virtual formats, and clients may switch therapists if they need a different fit. For many people, remote sessions provide an accessible and practical path to consistent therapeutic support.