New to Grow
Hello! I am Dr. Paula or Dr. Robinson. I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida and Licensed Professional Counselor via telehealth for clients in Arizona and Virginia. I am an African American woman of faith who is also a veteran of the United States Army Reserves. I work women, ages 18-64, living with mental health challenges who have experienced trauma from the general community as well as those who are active military and veterans, first responders, and law enforcement. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Christian Counseling, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and more to empower clients to build resilience, develop and understanding of what they can do to cope effectively as they navigate this healing journey and achieve a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel seen and heard, as well as unlock their potential and achieve positive change and growth.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, clients can expect a safe, warm, collaborative, and welcoming environment where they can share their concerns and talk freely without judgement. We will discuss your “why” for engaging in therapy. I will gather information by asking questions and giving you an opportunity to ask me questions, so we can determine if I would be the best fit for you as a therapist and you the best fit for me as a client. I will work with you to explore current challenges as well as discuss goals for therapy and give you an opportunity to share potential interventions that might be useful, moving forward, in developing an individualized treatment plan. I will also discuss my therapeutic approach as well as limits of confidentiality and informed consent.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my biggest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable and supported by listening attentively, being empathetic and compassionate, using validation, as well as using truth in love. Another strength is my ability to remain nonjudgemental while incorporating scripture and faith in such a way that clients do not feel uncomfortable. My professional experience working in community mental health, for several years, working with indigent populations, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders or their family members enables me to have a unique insight into helping individuals from diverse populations. What makes me unique is my ability to collaborate with clients, so they feel like they are a part of the process instead of telling them what to do. I give them a sense of control, especially since those who experience far too often did not have control in those situations.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve clients who are ready to do the “work” necessary to achieve healing and growth. My ideal clients are those who are seeking a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy that incorporates faith to explore their emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. They may include navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and managing other life stressors.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, focus on what is in their control, set boundaries, and develop coping strategies to develop behavioral changes. My experience includes guiding clients through cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, role-playing, journaling, CBT worksheets, bibliotherapy, and exposure techniques to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. I tailor CBT interventions to each client’s unique needs, integrating mindfulness and distress tolerance when beneficial. With this approach we work together to challenge negative and unrealistic self-talk and replace them with more realistic and positive ones, building cognitive resilience, so clients can function effectively in all areas of their lives.
Narrative
I utilize Narrative Therapy to help clients process and reflect through story, journaling, poems, etc., so they can have a way of retelling and restructuring their stories in a more objective way. The goal is to separate the client’s identity from the trauma they experienced, so they can find meaning, reduce any guilt or shame they feel, and feel empowered. The use of this therapeutic approach will be tailored to the individual client as everyone’s journey is unique.
Christian Counseling
I integrate faith to help clients process their thoughts, feelings, and actions through a spiritual lens with the help of scripture, discussing the client’s perspective on the role their faith plays in helping them heal, and how their core beliefs align with their faith. It is used to help provide guidance in therapy as well as foster spiritual growth through finding deeper meaning and purpose, address guilt and shame, as well as healing rooted in faith as you try navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life challenges.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is used to help clients focus on emotion regulation, communicating effectively in interpersonal relationships, staying in the moment, and working to improve by gaining acceptance and using opposite action to help change maladaptive routines and coping mechanisms.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use Person-Centered Therapy to ensure that clients experience an environment in which unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness, so they can move toward growth and positive change as well as feel empowered. Through this modality, clients direct the session as they are the expert in their own lives while I walk alongside them as they explore and process internal thoughts and their emotions.