Hi there! 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 specialized in working with LGBTQIA+ folk, most specifically transgender and non-binary (go They/Them!). Since then, I have expanded my practice and have enjoyed working with folk navigating grief, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other various mental health symptoms. I provide therapy in 3 languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish. I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional and also a Trauma specialist. *** I unfortunately do not work with couples, so if you are seeking couples counseling, I am not a good fit. *** I have a 15 minutes tardiness tolerance policy, and a fee for no show/late cancel of $75.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first time meeting, I like to do a "meet and greet" to see if we are a good fit; I'll share some of my background and experience and learn about you and some of the challenges that bring you to therapy. After that, we'll work together on a treatment plan with achievable goals so that you can improve symptoms you might be experiencing and have a better quality of life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in grief and trauma. I'm trans knowledgeable and have broad experience working with clients who identify as migrants, LGBTQIA+, Poly/Kink.
About Paula Schoenau, NCC, LPC, CGP, CCTP
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Specializes in
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
By utilizing ACT, we encourage staying focused on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment instead of avoiding or numbing. It aims to help you move forward through difficult emotions so you can put your energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
By being culturally sensitive, I focus on understanding of a client's background and belief system as it relates to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or other important elements that make up someone's culture and/or identity
Gender-affirming therapy
I support and affirm clients on navigating their gender identity and explore with client further ways and treatments client might want to pursue to be more comfortable in living authentically and being their own selves.
Grief Therapy
I am certified in Grief Counseling and work with client on navigating all kinds of losses.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Coming from a strength-based approach, I help clients make changes in their lives, by identifying solution-building abilities client already has and implementing them.