Paula Phelps

LCSW, 30 years of experience
Empowering
Authentic
Warm
VirtualAvailable

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're used to being the strong one. Whether you're carrying grief, navigating a difficult season, or simply feeling like you've lost yourself somewhere along the way, you don't have to figure it out alone. My name is Paula, and I've spent over 30 years walking alongside individuals, teens and couples through some of life's most challenging moments. I draw from CBT, DBT, solution-focused, and supportive approaches, which means our work together is shaped around you, not a one-size-fits-all method. I create a space where you can be honest, take up room, and work toward what actually matters to you. For clients who hold spiritual beliefs, I welcome that as part of the healing process. At the heart of my approach is a simple belief: you deserve to feel better and with the right support, you can.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is about you, your story, your concerns, and what brought you to this point. There's no pressure to have it all figured out. I'll ask some questions to get to know you and understand what you're hoping to work on, and you'll have plenty of space to ask questions too. By the end of our first session, you'll have a clearer sense of how we might work together and whether I'm the right fit for you. That matters to me as much as it does to you. Reaching out is often the hardest step. I'm glad you took it.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, I bring both depth and flexibility to my work. I draw from CBT, DBT, solution-focused, and supportive approaches — which means I tailor the work to you, not the other way around. I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, caregiver burnout, relationship challenges and life transitions including career. Whether you're in crisis or simply ready to grow, I meet you where you are and help you build something that actually holds. My greatest strength is staying with you in the hard parts while keeping your goals in clear view. For clients who hold spiritual beliefs, I welcome that as part of the healing process. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely heard, not managed.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is someone who is ready — not perfect, not without fear, but genuinely ready to do the work. You may not have everything figured out, but you show up, you're honest, and you're willing to try even when it's uncomfortable. I work best with individuals who are committed to the process, not just the relief. That means engaging between sessions, reflecting on what comes up and being open to seeing things differently. Growth rarely happens only in the therapy hour. If you are looking for someone to simply validate where you are, I will do that. But I will also gently challenge you, hold you accountable and keep your goals in clear view even when you've lost sight of them yourself. If that sounds like the kind of support you've been looking for, I'd love to work with you.

Specialties

Top specialties
Other specialties

I identify as

Black / African American

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I take a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—a proven method that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT helps clients recognize and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier responses and create lasting, positive change. Offering support and strategies that align with their unique journey and pace.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Solution-Focused Therapy—a forward-looking model that emphasizes strengths, resilience and what’s already working. Rather than dwelling on problems I focus on building solutions and identifying small achievable steps that move clients closer to their goals. Assisting them tap into their inner resources and create a future that aligns with their values and vision for healing.

Grief Therapy

Creating a safe space where clients can process loss, honor their emotions and begin to rebuild meaning after heartache. Grief therapy isn’t about “moving on,” but rather learning to carry the loss while still moving forward. Helping them explore their unique experience of grief, find their own voice in the healing process and gently reconnect with hope.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or stuck in patterns that aren't serving them. DBT blends acceptance and change, teaching practical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness. It is particularly helpful for teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD and relationship challenges. The goal is not to eliminate difficult emotions but to build the skills to manage them without losing yourself in the process.

Trauma Informed Care

Everything I do is grounded in an understanding of how trauma shapes the way we think, feel and move through the world. A trauma-informed approach means I never push, never pathologize and never lose sight of your safety and autonomy in the room. For clients navigating PTSD or the lasting effects of difficult life experiences, this lens ensures that healing happens at your pace, and that our work together never re-traumatizes in the process of trying to help.

, 27 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

July 22, 2025

I enjoy talking to Miss Phelps. She’s a wonderful person. I believe we clicked the very first time we spoke she bring things to the forefront of my attention. She put me in a situation where I have to. I have to think I have to figure it out. I have to be realistic, you know and it makes me just say you know and she’s a great listener. You know she’s down to earth I enjoy talking with her. You know I don’t want to ever lose my communication with her. I was out of insurances for quite a while

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 73 with Paula

June 18, 2025

Paula helps me with clarity by seeing my triggers and problems through a different lens. She also helps me realize that I am capable of making meaningful changes.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 7 with Paula

May 6, 2025

I find Ms Paula to be truly authentic and solution oriented while also warm and empowering. I can't imagine getting through some of my challenging situations without her guidance and I am immensely grateful for her.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 100 with Paula