- Affirming approach
- Skill building
- Trauma-informed
About Paula
Paula Smith is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and challenges around identity and relationships. She supports those dealing with trauma, addiction, grief, low self-esteem, and codependency. Paula aims to create an affirming atmosphere where people can speak honestly about difficult feelings and life changes.
Paula draws on practical, evidence-informed methods to help people manage symptoms and take small steps toward change. She uses clear, goal-focused techniques alongside therapy that looks at deeper life patterns. Sessions often involve learning new skills, trying different ways of coping, and reflecting on what has shaped current relationships and behaviors.
She brings four years of clinical experience and holds an LCSW license in Texas and Oklahoma. Paula has experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients, trauma survivors, and people with mood or anxiety concerns. She also works with those facing chronic health issues, caregiving stress, and workplace pressures.
In the room, she blends cognitive and skills-based work with moments of reflection. That combination helps with immediate problem-solving and longer term insight. Clients frequently work on communication, setting boundaries, managing cravings or urges, and rebuilding self-worth.
Starting therapy is treated as a collaboration. Paula will help set clear goals and check progress along the way. People who want straightforward, compassionate support for complicated feelings often find her style practical and steady.
How certain approaches work in online therapy
Paula uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice patterns of thought and behavior that keep them stuck. CBT focuses on practical tools and experiments people can try between sessions to reduce anxiety or lift mood.She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. DBT skills can be useful when feelings feel overwhelming or relationships are marked by high conflict.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Paula will talk with clients about goals and preferences and suggest methods that fit their needs. That process is collaborative and can change as goals evolve.
Confirm session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people keep therapy consistent through moves or schedule changes, while the therapist and client decide which tools and rhythms work best.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
Oklahoma, Texas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Paula address in therapy?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, bipolar symptoms, addictions, grief, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, and codependency among other concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style mixes clear, goal-oriented work with reflective exploration. Sessions often include skill practice and discussions about patterns that affect current relationships and choices.
What is her professional background?
She has four years of clinical experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, trauma survivors, and people managing mood and anxiety concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCSW licensed in Texas and Oklahoma and is based in Texas for practice purposes.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options with the platform before booking, as the biography does not list specific session formats.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist 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.