- Client-centered care
- Skills-focused
- Adoption and foster care
About Luciana
Luciana Smalls is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in South Carolina. She brings nine years of clinical experience and many more years in human services to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. Her approach aims to be warm and direct so people can learn practical skills and move forward.
She blends client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral strategies to address day-to-day struggles. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are used to build awareness and strengthen motivation. Dialectical behavior tools and Imago ideas are available when helpful for emotional regulation and improving communication.
Luciana emphasizes collaboration. She and each person create a clear plan that targets goals and fits real life. Sessions focus on concrete strategies such as coping skills, behavior changes, and communication practice rather than vague theory.
Her background includes long-term work with people affected by adoption and foster care issues, addiction, ADHD, grief, and caregiver stress. She also supports concerns like body image, intimacy-related issues, and career transitions. This breadth of experience informs practical ways to handle everyday problems.
People who come for help can expect a mix of encouragement and challenge. The aim is to turn current struggles into usable strengths. If someone wants to explore coaching-style work or therapy focused on coping and growth, Luciana offers a collaborative path forward.
How her approaches guide online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person and their goals. It involves listening closely, reflecting what matters, and shaping sessions around the individual's values and pace. This approach suits people who want a respectful, collaborative setting to sort through problems.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. Work includes identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing concrete skills to change reactions and routines. CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness. It emphasizes skills practice and step-by-step changes for those who feel overwhelmed by strong emotions.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work with the therapist. Luciana will talk through goals, preferences, and needs to decide what to try first. That collaborative planning helps keep therapy practical and focused on real-life improvements.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists often adapt exercises, homework, and mindfulness practices so they translate well to online sessions, helping people apply skills in everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Luciana help with?
She works with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, addiction, ADHD, grief, and adoption and foster care related challenges.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is described as nurturing, challenging, and supportive, focusing on practical skills and clear goals rather than lengthy theory.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has nine years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and additional years working in human services prior to clinical practice.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in South Carolina and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps do I take to begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.