- Sleep and rest concerns
- Parenting stress
- Practical skill building
About Paula
Paula Steele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of direct practice in Maine. She draws on long experience supporting people who are juggling parenting, work, health, and the strain of day-to-day life. Paula focuses on building trust first so people feel heard and understood.
Her approach centers on client-centered work that follows each person’s priorities. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Mindfulness tools and practical skill building are part of sessions when they fit someone’s goals.
Paula has worked across settings, including day treatment and in-home supports, and has supported people facing trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, chronic illness, and legal challenges. That background informs how she tailors help for stress, anxiety, parenting strain, sleep problems, depression, addiction, and grief.
She names attachment, autism and Asperger Syndrome, caregiver stress, communication problems, and postpartum depression among additional focus areas. Paula aims to combine listening with concrete strategies like self-care plans and building natural supports in a person’s life.
In sessions she keeps language plain and actionable. Expect a cooperative tone, short-term goals when helpful, and a steady focus on what you want to change. Paula says she looks forward to supporting people as they work toward their own goals.
How Paula Uses Therapy Approaches Online
Paula uses client-centered work to begin, which means she starts by listening and following the person’s goals. This approach helps clarify what matters most and sets priorities for the work ahead.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT offers concrete exercises to try between sessions and can help with anxiety, sleep problems, and mood changes.
Mindfulness therapy is another tool she draws on to teach attention and stress-management practices. Mindfulness exercises can help with racing thoughts, panic symptoms, and sleep routines when practiced regularly.
Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Paula will work with each person to decide which combination of methods fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Early sessions are often about testing what helps and adjusting the plan together.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking. Paula emphasizes online work as a way to fit sessions into busy lives - making it easier to schedule a shorter check-in, avoid travel, or connect when juggling parenting and other responsibilities. Ask about the specific session formats offered so you can pick what fits your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
Maine
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Paula commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting strain, depression, sleep problems, addictions, grief, self-esteem issues, and related concerns such as ADHD and bipolar mood patterns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She practices client-centered care with practical tools. Sessions often mix listening, skill building, and exercises from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches.
What is her professional background?
Paula has 15 years of clinical experience and has worked in day treatment and in-home support settings, as well as individual counseling for adults facing complex life stressors.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Maine, listed as ME LCSW, and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients served?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.