- Strengths based
- Goal oriented
- Empathic feedback
About Paula
She earned a master's degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. Over the years she has worked with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship and parenting challenges. She also has experience addressing ADHD, caregiver strain, and aging-related issues.
Paula uses a combination of approaches to match each person's needs. She helps clients set clear goals, notice unhelpful thinking patterns, and practice skills that change day-to-day behavior. Her style balances empathy with practical feedback so people can move toward solutions.
Cultural background and life context matter to her work. She pays attention to how culture and life experience shape problems and what will actually fit into a client's life. Paula aims to make therapy straightforward and realistic, helping clients build coping tools that last.
Many people come to Paula for help with loss, trauma, relationship strain, or major life changes. She frames progress as a series of small, manageable steps and supports people as they try new ways of coping.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English, Portuguese
How Paula’s approaches translate to online work
Paula uses attachment-based ideas to look at how close relationships shape feelings and reactions; this helps people dealing with grief, intimacy issues, and relationship strain learn new patterns for connecting. She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Paula will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, and then try methods that suit those needs. Together they check progress and adjust the plan as needed so the work fits the client’s life.
Confirm session formats before booking so you know what is offered for online work. Many people find online appointments easier to fit into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists can use online sessions to practice new skills between meetings and to keep steady support during major life changes.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Paula commonly address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship and parenting challenges, and related issues such as ADHD and caregiver strain.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach blends empathic listening with goal-focused work and practical feedback to help people change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She has 15 years of clinical experience and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University.
What licensure and location information is available?
Paula is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.
In which languages can sessions be conducted?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.
Are international clients supported?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.