- Collaborative care
- Sleep and rest focus
- Practical skills
About Paula
Paula Donovan is a licensed clinical social worker who brings 20 years of experience to therapy. She speaks English and works from Virginia, blending life experience with clinical practice to help people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and sleep difficulties. Paula emphasizes the person in front of her as the expert on their life. She builds on what already works and helps people find clearer next steps.
Her approach is grounded in simple, conversational work. Sessions focus on identifying strengths, routines, and patterns that affect day-to-day functioning. Paula draws on Client-Centered Therapy to keep the work focused on each person's needs, and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools when patterns of thinking or emotion feel stuck.
She pays attention to how stress, trauma, caregiving, and illness affect energy and rest. Paula helps people notice what keeps them feeling wound up and tired, then practices small changes that can ease sleep and mood. Work may include skills for managing anxiety, improving emotion regulation, and shifting unhelpful habits.
Paula also supports practical life transitions such as divorce, caregiving strain, infertility stress, and end-of-life concerns. She brings a calm, direct manner and a readiness to laugh when it helps. The focus is on practical steps people can try between sessions.
Clients can expect a collaborative relationship that centers their experience. Paula asks questions, listens closely, and helps set realistic goals. The aim is to restore energy, improve sleep and coping, and move toward a more manageable daily life.
How Paula’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following what matters most to the person. It creates a space for someone to talk through worries about sleep, grief, or relationships while feeling heard and respected.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In practice this means noticing patterns that keep anxiety or poor sleep going and trying practical exercises to change those patterns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving tolerance for distress. These skills can help when stress, trauma, or caregiving demands make rest and regulation difficult.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That conversation helps shape session pace, focus, and homework between meetings.
If you plan to try online therapy, confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find it helps them maintain consistency while practicing new skills in real life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Paula commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, and sleep problems, among other concerns listed in her specialties.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Sessions are conversational and person-centered, with an emphasis on identifying strengths and small changes that improve day-to-day life.
What is her background and experience?
Paula has 20 years of clinical experience and draws on extensive life experience from living and working internationally before training as a therapist.
What credentials and location should I know about?
She holds a LCSW credential and practices from Virginia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with her from outside the United States?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a therapy match with Paula?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.