Paula Lawrence
Paula Lawrence
Are you struggling with impulse control, intimacy, or addiction? Do you feel stuck in destructive patterns, overwhelmed by anger, or disconnected from your sense of self-worth? You’re not alone—and there is a path forward. I specialize in helping individuals break free from cycles of dysregulation, shame, and confusion to build healthier, more empowered lives. With over 17 years of experience in behavioral health, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator. My work is grounded in compassion, trauma-informed
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other. I’ll ask about your current concerns, personal history, and what brought you to therapy. We’ll also begin identifying your goals and what you hope to gain from our work together. This session is about building trust and creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. You don’t need to have everything figured out—just a willingness to start. Together, we’ll develop a plan that fits your needs and sets the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
With 17 years of experience in behavioral health, I’ve developed a strong ability to help clients identify the root causes of their challenges and create personalized plans that lead to meaningful, measurable progress. What sets me apart is my comfort and skill in addressing complex, sensitive topics—including trauma, addiction, and sexual issues—that many therapists may find difficult to navigate. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who are ready to explore patterns that no longer serve them and are open to learning new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. My ideal clients are those who recognize that certain areas of their lives—such as relationships, emotions, or behaviors—feel out of alignment, and they’re motivated to make meaningful change. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals facing challenges related to sexual behavior, substance use, intimacy, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Many of my clients are seeking to understand the underlying trauma that contributes to these struggles. I bring extensive experience working with impulse control, anger management, PTSD, career transitions, and justice-involved individuals, and I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to support their growth and healing.
About Paula Lawrence
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
1011 Broadway St, Mount Vernon, IL 62864Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients identify their strengths, clarify goals, and take practical steps toward change. This approach is especially helpful for clients ready to focus on solutions rather than problems. I often integrate SFBT with cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed techniques to support meaningful, lasting progress.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT provides practical tools to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, improve emotional regulation, and support lasting behavioral change. I integrate CBT with trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to address issues like addiction, impulse control, PTSD, and relationship challenges.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I specialize in trauma-focused therapy, helping clients process and heal from past experiences that continue to impact their present lives. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, empowerment, and emotional regulation. I integrate evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and strength-based strategies to support recovery from PTSD, complex trauma, and relational wounds
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a core part of my therapeutic approach. I believe that understanding the “why” behind our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors empowers clients to make informed, lasting change. I provide education on topics such as trauma responses, addiction cycles, emotional regulation, and relationship dynamics to help clients build insight, reduce shame, and develop effective coping strategies.