In her counseling practice, Lura combines aspects of what she loves the most: a deep regard for the spiritual Source within every person; effective therapeutic art processes, and a sound cognitive behavioral therapy approach. For many years, she has had the opportunity to support both adult and teen clients in the process of healing their lives. Lura specializes in helping her clients alleviate the effects of trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as grief and loss issues. She helps them to establish workable, sustainable life goals and healthy relationships. Her clients describe her approach as “direct but compassionate!” and uniquely suited to each individual or couple who meet with her. According to Lura, “We all have a Voice of Wisdom within us. Part of what I do is to help clients get in touch with that Voice.”
EXPERIENCE:
I have been working as a Counselor and Therapist for many years. My primary work was partially accomplished as a Ministerial Partner with my husband who is a Unity Minister while serving Unity Churches in Clear Lake, Texas; Taos, New Mexico; Charlotte North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut and Key West, Florida. In 1993, we relocated to Minneapolis, MN where we established a school with a three year course of study to support individuals in personal growth and spiritual maturity. We led the school for 10 years and attracted students from a variety of occupations and religious/spiritual affiliations. Many of our students came from "helping" occupations, (e.g., doctors, nurses. social workers, teachers, etc. ) and this taught us that our approach was valuable and timely.
I continued to work as I completed BA and Masters programs and had the advanced opportunity to do practicums in both Counseling and Art Therapy degrees while working for a Psychiatric hospital in Key West, Florida. In 2015 we left Florida, did another round of Interim ministry work in Hartford, CT before moving back permanently to Minneapolis, Minnesota. I joined an established counseling clinic as an associate and worked there from 2016 to 2021.
Because of COVID-19, I moved my practice to my home office and have been serving clientele on telehealth services ever since.
EDUCATION:
Ordained: Theophilus Divinity School 1995
BA in Fine Arts: Minneapolis College of Art and Design - St. Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota 2006
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling w/concentration in Art Therapy: Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona 2014
LICENSING:
Minnesota LPC #1916 (expires 10-31-21)
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Family of Origin Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Life Purpose, Postpartum Depression
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Somatic Therapy
MN LPC 01916
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lura Smedstad. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I've had the greatest experience with Lura! She's awesome!
Written on Mar 29, 2023 after therapy with Lura for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Lura is engaging, authentic and has good suggestions. She listens well and has compassion. I love her straight-forward approach.
Written on Mar 08, 2023 after therapy with Lura for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Lura is an amazing woman. So full of joy and patience.
Written on Jan 30, 2023 after therapy with Lura for 5 months
Lura Smedstad has been Very accountable and listens emapthetically with Strong support toward healthy life choices. Lura is able to get to the Truth and provide the needed help to step off the CrAzY Rollercoaster of life to find peace with self. Thank You Lura!!! Looking forward to my journey with you until healthy. Thank You for your support; Helpful information; Care.
Written on Jan 19, 2023 after therapy with Lura for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Lura is wonderfully supportive and provides the compassionate care I was looking for and needed. I'm very grateful for her wisdom and guidance.
Written on Jan 04, 2023 after therapy with Lura for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Lura is very kind and comfortable to talk to. I really enjoyed our sessions. Take care
Written on Dec 30, 2022 after therapy with Lura for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
