Hi there! My name is Paula (she/her) and I'm a Latine licensed professional counselor working from Virginia.
I am Brazilian and I graduated in Psychology almost 20 years ago - do not do the Math! =)
I have been living in the USA since 2014 and I obtained my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018. I have specialized in working with LGBTQIA+ folx, most specifically transgender and non-binary (go They/Them!). I have experience working with clients in 3 languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish. I am a trainer in Trauma and Resilience and a huge fan of Positive Psychology. I provide trauma-informed care to persons experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, addiction (been clean and sober for 10 years myself) and traumatic experiences. My biggest goal is to make you feel heard, seen and worthy.
I utilize different approaches, mostly Solution-focused therapy and Psychodynamic. Along with Positive Psychology, I also pull a lot from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Narrative Therapy. I work with clients on developing a treatment plan and establishing achievable goals together - YOU are the expert on yourself, right? I encourage clients to develop a toolbox with coping skills that will help deal with moments of struggle, and increase self-love and self-acceptance. I am also a Certified Grief Informed Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - I specialize in working with people navigating losses off all kinds, not only death.
I have recently expanded my practice and I am doing immigration evaluations for cases of asylum, U visas, T visa, extreme hardship and VAWA.
I prefer video sessions myself, but I'm okay with phone and live chat as well; I do weekly 50 minute sessions (might run longer), and have a 15-minute tolerance to tardiness. I am more active on replying messages during the week (once/twice a day).
Looking forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Adoption and Foster Care, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Control issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Expats, Family of Origin Issues, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Immigration Issues, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Multicultural Concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
UT LCMHC 13770498-6004
AZ LPC LPC-22884
NV LCPC CP5697-R
WA LMHC LH61518172
VA LPC 0701009970
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Paula Schoenau. 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.
Paul is engaging and easy to talk with. They listen to what I have to say and respect it, but does not always agree. I enjoy being challenged and pushed to think outside of my own perspective and Paula is great at this. I always feel it has been productive to talk with her even when I'm crying so hard it's hard to understand what I'm saying. LOL! Thank you Paula your an amazing therapist
Written on Sep 23, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks
Paula is extremely helpful in her guidance. She is resourceful and is great at meeting you where you are while pushing you to fulfill your own goals through looking inward and encouraging you to do the work.
Written on Feb 09, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd