Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
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
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Lura Smedstad blends a steady respect for the spiritual Source she sees within each person with expressive therapeutic art processes and a pragmatic cognitive behavioral therapy orientation. She brings these elements together to support both adult and teen clients in healing and life change.
With a specialty in addressing the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, Lura also focuses on helping people set realistic, sustainable life goals and build healthier relationships. Those who work with her often note an approach that is direct but compassionate, and she tailors care to the needs of individuals and couples. She often reminds clients, “We all have a Voice of Wisdom within us. Part of what I do is to help clients get in touch with that Voice.”
Her professional path includes many years as a ministerial partner with her husband, a Unity Minister, serving Unity Churches in Clear Lake, Texas; Taos, New Mexico; Charlotte, North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; and Key West, Florida. In 1993 they relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they established a three-year school for personal growth and spiritual development and led that program for a decade. The school drew students from diverse occupations and spiritual backgrounds, including many people in helping professions.
Lura completed practicum work in both counseling and art therapy while working with a psychiatric hospital in Key West. After leaving Florida in 2015 and doing interim ministry work in Hartford, Connecticut, she returned permanently to Minneapolis and served as an associate in an established counseling clinic from 2016 to 2021. Because of COVID-19, she moved her practice to a home office and has been providing therapy via telehealth since then.
Her formal training includes ordination from Theophilus Divinity School in 1995, a BA in Fine Arts (Minneapolis College of Art and Design – St. Cloud State University, 2006), and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy from Prescott College in 2014. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota (MN LPC 01916) and has 20 years of experience. Lura practices in Minnesota as a female, older, liberal therapist with expertise that also covers relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting, anger, career concerns, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
Many people wonder whether remote therapy can really help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or adapting to life changes, research and clinical practice indicate that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.
One major benefit is flexibility – you can connect in the format that fits your life and comfort level, whether that is a video call, a phone conversation, a live chat session, or ongoing in-app messaging. This range of options makes it easier to keep regular appointments and integrate therapy into a busy schedule.
Therapists who provide online services are licensed professionals, and if you ever want a different fit you can change providers. For many people, virtual therapy offers a practical, evidence-supported way to address common mental health and relational concerns while accommodating the realities of daily life.
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