Paulina Gutierrez
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and other difficult seasons of life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in understanding the patterns behind what you're experiencing.
Our collaborative approach ensures that we're working together to find the strategies that resonate with you and lead to meaningful growth and positive change.
Rather than simply focusing on symptoms, we'll explore what's happening beneath the surface, identify practical ways to cope, and work toward changes that fit your life and goals.
First session
During our first session, my goal is to get to know you and help you feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, what's been most challenging, and what you hope to gain from our work together. We'll also begin identifying goals and discuss how I can best support you moving forward.
Strengths
I’m especially drawn to working with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next. I tend to bring a calm and grounded presence to therapy, while also helping clients look more closely at the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be keeping them from moving forward. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with teens (13+) and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating life's challenges and transitions. Many of the individuals I work with are experiencing anxiety, relationship or family stress, self-doubt, emotional exhaustion, or major life changes. Others appear to be functioning well on the outside while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. Whether you're seeking support for a specific concern or simply want to better understand yourself, my goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative space where you can build practical skills, gain insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice, as it is an evidence-based approach that helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their distress. In my practice, I integrate CBT with clients struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. I find it particularly effective in helping clients develop greater awareness of their thoughts and the impact these thoughts have on their emotions and actions.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients relate to their thoughts and emotions in a healthier way. Instead of getting stuck trying to flight or avoid difficulty feelings, we focus on building awareness, acceptance, and taking steps toward what truly matters to you.
EMDR
I use EMDR to help clients process difficult or distressing experiences that may feel "stuck." This approach helps the brain reprocess memories in a way that reduced their emotional intensity, so they no longer feel as overwhelming. EMDR can support healing from past experiences while helping you feel more grounded and present in your daily life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 116244