- Client-centered approach
- Practical skill building
- Trauma-aware care
About Paula
Paula Donovan is a licensed clinical social worker who brings 20 years of practice to her work with people facing stress, relationship struggles, grief, and codependency. She speaks with a gentle Irish lilt and meets clients where they are. She believes the person in front of her is the expert on their life and that therapy is a shared process of discovery and change.
Paula focuses on practical ways to ease day-to-day strain. She helps people notice patterns that drain energy and build habits that restore it. Conversations often include identifying strengths, improving communication, and setting small, doable goals for better balance.
Her background includes international experience and years working in varied settings before training as a clinical therapist. That mix of life experience and clinical work shapes a warm, down-to-earth style. Clients can expect straightforward talk balanced with empathy and occasional lightness.
Paula draws on several therapy approaches to match each person’s needs. She uses client-centered methods to follow what matters most to the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are used to shift unhelpful thinking and behavior. Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are offered for emotion regulation and stress reduction.
If you decide to begin, the work starts with clear goals and practical steps. Sessions emphasize what helps in the present and what builds resilience for the future. Paula aims to make therapy usable in everyday life.
How these approaches translate to online therapy
The client-centered approach means conversations start with what matters most to the individual. Sessions focus on listening, understanding your priorities, and shaping goals around your life and values.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress or low mood. Online work may include simple exercises and homework to test new ways of thinking between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and mindfulness techniques are offered to help manage strong emotions and reduce reactivity. These approaches teach concrete tools for grounding, breathing, and stepping back from intense feelings.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and try methods that fit the situation. Adjustments are made as therapy progresses to focus on what helps most.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also lets people use skills learned in session in real time between appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Paula help with?
She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, codependency, addictions, and a wide range of life changes.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm and straightforward. She follows what matters to the client and offers practical skills and communication tools.
What is her professional background?
Paula has 20 years of clinical experience and earlier international work. She combines life experience with therapeutic practice to inform her approach.
What credentials and location are listed for this clinician?
She is a LCSW licensed in Virginia and practices there.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.