SS Portrait of Shira Smith

Shira Smith, LCSW

Practical support for anxiety and life transitions

6 years in practice · based in New York · sessions in English · online sessions

Book with Shira

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Shira

Shira Smith is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. She brings six years of clinical experience to work with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, and trauma. Shira emphasizes practical, direct support so people can start feeling steadier sooner.

Her sessions focus on helping clients name what feels overwhelming and find steps that fit their life. She offers calm guidance for those coping with social anxiety, isolation, or the fallout from infidelity.

Book with Shira Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Her work also addresses life transitions like pregnancy and childbirth and the effects of prejudice and discrimination. Shira centers cultural awareness and respect in conversations about identity and hardship. She helps people build self-compassion and stronger connections.

Practical skills and small experiments are often part of the process so progress can be noticed between sessions. People meet with Shira to process painful events such as post-traumatic stress, abuse, or bereavement. She aims to create a steady space for sorting feelings and making clear choices.

Conversations can include developing routines, communication strategies, and coping tools tailored to daily life. Her approach blends evidence-based techniques with an attentive, person-first stance. Sessions move at a pace set by each person.

The goal is clearer thinking, less reactivity, and more confidence in everyday decisions.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Shira uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change and emotional understanding. One common approach involves skill-building exercises to manage anxiety and stress through breathing, grounding, and routine changes that can reduce intensity in daily life. Another approach centers on processing painful experiences like trauma or grief while pacing work so people feel able to cope between sessions.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, history, and what feels most helpful. Together they try methods, check what helps, and adjust the plan so therapy fits the client’s needs and preferences.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care easier to fit into a busy life. Video is useful for deeper conversations and observing nonverbal cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text messaging offer ongoing support between meetings or when writing feels easier than talking. These options aim to increase flexibility and make starting and continuing therapy more manageable.
Book with Shira Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Shira commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression, along with related issues like infidelity, isolation, life purpose, and social anxiety.
What is her general therapy style?
Sessions are practical and collaborative with a focus on clear steps and skills. Conversations combine compassionate listening with goal-oriented strategies.
How long has she been practicing?
She has six years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and life challenges.
What credentials and location should I know about?
She is a New York licensed clinical social worker, listed as LCSW, and practices from New York.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What formats are available for sessions?
Therapy can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
6 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.