Pauline McHenry
Hello, I’m Pauline McHenry, a Licensed Professional Counselor passionate about helping clients move from surviving to thriving. I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, and life transitions. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I believe therapy should feel like a safe place to be heard, understood, and empowered. I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, trauma-informed care, and individualized treatment planning to help clients better understand themselves, build healthy coping skills, and create meaningful change.
I completed my practicum and internship in an Intensive Outpatient /Partial Hospitalization (IOP/PHP) treatment center, where I worked with individuals facing significant mental health challenges.
I know reaching out for help can feel difficult. My goal is to provide a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and supported as we work together toward healing, growth, and lasting change.
First session
In our first session, we will begin getting to know each other and talking about what brings you to therapy. We will discuss your current concerns, your goals, and any relevant history that may help guide treatment. You do not have to share everything all at once. We will go at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you. The first session is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for whether we are a good fit. My goal is for you to leave feeling supported, understood, and hopeful about the work ahead.
Strengths
I use a trauma-informed, client-centered approach that honors your story, your strengths, and your pace. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These approaches can help you identify patterns, manage emotions, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. Therapy with me is focused on both healing and growth. Together, we will build on your strengths and create a path forward that feels realistic, meaningful, and empowering.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, emotional overwhelm, stress, and difficult life transitions. I especially enjoy working with clients who feel stuck in survival mode and are ready to begin healing in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. I also work well with clients who want practical tools they can use in everyday life, while still having space to process their emotions, experiences, and personal goals.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With CBT the emphasis is on empowering clients to recognize their ability to influence their emotional and mental well-being actively. CBT is collaborative, with tools like thought records, journaling, and mindfulness exercises, to help reinforce the skills they are developing. This approach not only alleviates immediate distress but equips clients with a toolkit they can apply long after our sessions have ended, fostering resilience and self-efficacy in managing life’s challenges.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
The structure and practicality of DBT are incredibly effective for those who struggle with overwhelming emotions or find traditional therapy insufficient. It not only gives clients strategies for managing their emotions in the short term but also fosters a deeper sense of self-acceptance and resilience over time.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an essential framework in my practice, ensuring a safe, supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma can have profound effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and TIC is rooted in the understanding that traumatic experiences impact how people approach relationships, perceive safety, and respond to stress.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Throughout the TF-CBT process, I prioritize a trauma-informed approach, meaning I’m attuned to the client’s pace and comfort level, continually checking in to ensure they feel safe and empowered. TF-CBT is structured yet flexible, allowing me to adapt to each individual’s unique experience and needs.
Location
Virtual sessions