About Me
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Missouri. I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 2016, and have been working with a variety of clients and issues. I have an independent practice, working in Alton, Illinois, about 30 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River.
My treatment approach is client-centered, goal-oriented, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe that most mental health issues can be traced back to trauma; it’s not what is wrong with you, but what has happened to you. I use CBT and EMDR as my main therapy modalities, but also incorporate motivational interviewing, exposure therapy, positive psychology, somatic processing, and some psychodynamic techniques. Once the negative beliefs are identified, the work is to create more adaptive beliefs, and process the actual trauma(s). Self-care, and coping skills for symptoms are extremely important, too, especially in the beginning of therapy.
Reaching out for help with life’s challenges is one of the most important things one can do for their long-term health and well-being. I walk with you, never judging, and always supporting you with your goals. I look forward to helping you find relief from symptoms, needed solutions, and ultimately, true healing.
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
Addictions , LGBT , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Services Offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
LCSW #149022555 (Expires: 2021-11-30)
LCSW #2020036493 (Expires: 2022-09-30)
Reviews
Great! Supportive and comfortable!
She is a caring therapist. She gives me hope in myself when I previously had none.
I am extremely grateful for Paula. She’s not only qualified in her field but also warm and caring. She makes me feel supported and that healing is possible.
Paula is wonderful. She has been here for me since day one, and I feel like she truly is in my corner. She is patient, kind, and is excellent in dealing with chronic trauma and PTSD. She teaches me how my brain works, how I can deal with my emotions (and that it's okay to have them!), and she is helping me process the things that happened to me. She had good insights, and levels with me very well.