- Client-centered approach
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness practices
About Paula
Paula Steele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, ME LCSW, with 15 years of practice experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, parenting strain, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family problems, grief, sleep difficulties, anger, and related concerns. She provides straightforward support for everyday problems and long-standing struggles alike.
Paula uses a client-centered approach that focuses on what matters to the person in front of her. She listens for strengths, then helps people try practical skills that can change how they react and cope. She mixes skill-building with conversations that help people understand patterns that keep them stuck.
Her work often includes cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. She brings mindfulness practices into sessions to help with stress, sleep, panic, and managing strong feelings. Motivational interviewing is used when people want to change habits such as addictive behaviors and need help finding a realistic next step.
Paula has experience from community and clinical settings, including work around domestic violence, trauma, autism, and caregiver stress. She draws on those years to help people sort priorities, access supports, and make small, manageable changes. Practical coping skills and clearer communication are common goals she helps clients work toward.
She is also a parent and understands the competing demands of caregiving, school matters, and appointments. That perspective informs how she helps parents and caregivers balance self-care with responsibilities. To begin, she guides people through a short match process and schedules an initial session to set priorities.
How Paula’s approaches work in online sessions
Paula commonly uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, clarifying what matters to the client, and building on their strengths to set goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and test small behavioral changes to reduce anxiety, anger, and low mood.She also uses mindfulness practices to help with stress, sleep, panic, and managing strong emotions. Mindfulness involves simple exercises that bring attention to the present moment and can be practiced between sessions to reduce reactivity.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then suggest methods to try. That collaborative process helps decide whether to focus more on skills practice, talking through patterns, or short-term problem solving.
Session formats are not specified in the source biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into busy days, allow for shorter check-ins, and let them try skills in real time between meetings. Paula aims to help clients translate session work into practical changes in daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Maine
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, sleep problems, anger, and related concerns.
What is her therapy style like?
She practices client-centered therapy and focuses on practical skills. Conversations also look at patterns of thinking and behavior to make everyday changes.
How much experience does she have?
She has 15 years of experience in social work and clinical settings supporting adults facing trauma, domestic violence, caregiver stress, and more.
What credentials and location apply to her practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, ME LCSW, and practices in Maine.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions billed?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.