At some point in life, most of us feel stuck — in tough transitions, relationship or family stress, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, or just the overwhelm of trying to hold everything together. When you're in it, it can feel lonely and hard to see a way forward. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. I see therapy as a space where you can exhale. A place to sort through what’s weighing on you, understand yourself more deeply, and reconnect with the strengths you already have — even if they don’t feel accessible right now. I’m here as a supportive sounding board and a steady, honest voice, helping you move toward becoming a more confident, grounded, and self-trusting version of yourself. Hi, I’m Paula, a Licensed Psychotherapist providing services in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, and Delaware. I earned two Master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: an M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling and an M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services. With nearly a decade of experience, one thing I know for sure is this: the “self” is incredibly powerful. When we better understand who we are, why we respond the way we do, and what we truly need, real and lasting change becomes possible. It’s an honor to walk alongside people in their healing and self-discovery, and I’d love to support you on your journey.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My approach centers on helping you identify, understand, accept, and gently nurture the roots of your experiences. As this awareness grows, you may find yourself better able to navigate the parts of life that feel stuck or resistant to change, while also deepening trust in the strengths already within you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I work with adults (18+) of all races, religions, genders, and sexual identities. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Person-centered therapy, and Feminist therapy — along with, when appropriate, a healthy dose of laughter. I believe therapy can be deep and meaningful while still leaving room for lightness and humanity. Outside of the therapy space, I’m a mindfulness meditation enthusiast, podcast host, and professional singer-songwriter/producer. These parts of my life continually teach me about self-compassion, patience, creativity, and resilience — qualities I intentionally bring into my work with clients. I’m here to help you build those same tools as you move toward healing and growth.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with clients navigating PTSD and trauma, difficult life transitions, relationship and family conflict, anxiety, depression, ADHD management, creative or artistic blocks, parenting challenges, women’s issues, chronic pain or illness, and the impact of racial, gender, and sexual marginalization. I believe therapy is never one-size-fits-all. Each person’s experiences, strengths, and needs are unique, which is why I tailor treatment goals to you as an individual. As I often say, you are the expert on yourself — my role is to help guide, support, and provide tools as you deepen your understanding and move toward growth and healing.
Trauma Informed Care
I specialize in trauma-informed treatment, drawing from modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Experiencing (SE). Through this work, I help clients explore their life stories to identify the roots of their distress. Once these experiences are brought into awareness, we focus on understanding, accepting, and gently tending to the impact of trauma — recognizing that while it may shape parts of your story, it does not define who you are.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I specialize in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). In our work together, we bring a compassionate curiosity to whatever you’re carrying, creating space to slow down and truly notice your inner experience. Mindfulness invites you to meet yourself with greater gentleness, helping you feel more steady and grounded, even as life shifts and unfolds around you. Over time, this practice can help you respond to challenges with more presence and care, rather than feeling swept away by them.
Family Therapy
Many of us were never taught the language or tools needed to build healthy, connected relationships — whether romantic, familial, or both. Couples and family therapy offers a space to slow down, listen differently, and bring more understanding, curiosity, and compassion into the way you relate to one another. In our work together, clients explore family and relational patterns, including generational dynamics, roles, boundaries, communication styles, conflict resolution, and attachment needs. By increasing awareness of these patterns, families and couples can begin to shift from cycles of misunderstanding toward deeper connection and mutual support. My family systems approach draws from Family Systems Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), helping relationships feel more balanced, intentional, and emotionally attuned.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I work with clients from a strength-based and culturally responsive perspective, honoring the many intersecting parts of their identities — including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, age, education, socioeconomic background, and ability. I believe each of these lived experiences shapes how we move through the world, and they deserve to be seen, respected, and thoughtfully considered within the therapeutic space.
5 ratings with written reviews
November 17, 2025
She really listens and helps me to be honest with myself. Even if my feelings seem obvious to her, she checks in with me to ask how I am feeling. She asks me to think deeply about my life and feelings, which has led to a lot of break-throughs. My life has improved immensely because of the work that she has led me through.
May 6, 2025
Paula really takes the time to consider all the facets that might be contributing to my mental well-being, from past experiences to current health diagnoses. She is great at active listening, encouraging when she needs to be and challenging when she needs to be. She makes me feel heard in a way that I did not experience with other therapists, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to work with her!
May 5, 2025
Paula is the best therapist I've ever had. I have a trust issue, and I feel like I can say anything to Paula and not feel judged. Her probes are great in the sense that they are challenges, and force me to think deeply about things I tend to randomly throw out during our discussion. She is open-minded, warm, solution-oriented, and empowering, allowing me to lead the session while still guiding me to stay on point. She is what I have been looking for in a therapeutic relationship.