LCSW, 8 years of experience
New to Grow
I’m Paige Achten, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S) and Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS). I’m passionate about helping people heal from trauma, stress, and the patterns that keep them feeling stuck. My approach is honest, collaborative, and focused on helping you create meaningful, lasting change. In our work together, I integrate EMDR, ACT, CBT, and polyvagal-informed therapy to address both the mind and body’s response to stress and trauma. I also incorporate principles from mental health nutrition and mindfulness to support the connection between your emotional and physical well-being. Therapy with me is active—we look at what’s working, what isn’t, and how to move forward in ways that align with your values and goals. I strive to help you understand yourself more deeply, build effective coping skills, and feel empowered to live with greater clarity and balance.
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and set the foundation for our work together. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what’s been getting in the way, and what you’d like to accomplish. I’ll also explain how I approach therapy—what it looks like, what you can expect from me, and how we’ll track your progress along the way. This session isn’t about diving deep right away—it’s about creating clarity, safety, and direction. You can expect a mix of conversation, reflection, and practical next steps. My goal is for you to leave that first appointment feeling heard, supported, and with a clear sense of what our work together will look like.
Clients often tell me I have a calming presence, but what truly sets my approach apart is that I’m real. I’m not a therapist who hides behind a clipboard or sugarcoats things—I show up as a human first. I’ve lived through my own share of challenges, and that gives me a grounded, empathetic perspective when walking alongside others through theirs. I value honesty, transparency, and connection in the therapy space. You can expect open conversations, direct feedback, and a focus on what actually helps you feel and function better. My approach blends evidence-based methods with genuine human connection, helping clients not just cope—but grow, heal, and create lasting change.
My ideal clients are ready to do the work. They’re tired of surface-level fixes and want real change—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Many of the people I work with have tried therapy before and are looking for something deeper or more integrative. They’re open to exploring how trauma, stress, and life experiences have shaped them, and they’re ready to build the tools and insight needed to move forward. I work best with clients who value honesty, self-reflection, and growth. Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating a major life transition, or working to break old patterns, I’ll meet you where you are and help you move toward the life you want—with accountability, curiosity, and compassion.
In our sessions, I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help the brain naturally heal from difficult or distressing experiences. It’s a gentle, structured approach that allows you to process memories and emotions without needing to talk through every detail. Many clients find EMDR helps them feel calmer, less triggered, and more in control of their thoughts and reactions.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions. Instead of fighting uncomfortable feelings, we work on understanding and accepting them while focusing on what truly matters to you. The goal is to help you move toward a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you notice and shift unhelpful thought patterns that impact how you feel and act. Together, we identify what’s getting in the way of your peace or confidence and practice tools to create healthier ways of thinking and coping day to day.
I take an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating techniques from multiple evidence-based models to create a plan that fits each client’s individual strengths, goals, and personality. This flexibility allows me to tailor sessions in a way that promotes genuine progress and lasting change.
In grief therapy, I provide a safe space to process loss at your own pace. Grief can show up in many ways—emotionally, physically, and even spiritually—and together we work to make sense of those feelings while finding ways to honor your loss and begin healing.