LGBT therapists in Duluth, MN

Get to Know Me

Hi, I’m Paula! I’m an LPCC who works with young children and their families, teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I take a relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, with a focus on understanding the why behind what we’re experiencing—not just managing the symptoms. I also have a special interest in neurodiversity and enjoy working with neurodivergent individuals and families, approaching differences with curiosity, compassion, and a strengths-based perspective. I value honesty, curiosity, and creating a space where you can be yourself without having to have everything figured out. Therapy can be hard work, but I believe we can approach it with compassion, a little humor, and a “okay, this is where we are—now what can we do with it?” kind of energy.

I have been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for over 10 years. I love meeting people where they are at and helping them get to where they want to be. I have found a lot of success with clients who are ready for change - signing up for therapy is the first step. If you are ready, let's begin.

Hi, I'm Alex! My path into this work began in early childhood development, where I learned just how much our earliest relationships and experiences shape the way we move through the world as adults. That foundation still informs everything I do; I'm endlessly curious about the "why" behind how we feel and behave, and I hold that curiosity with warmth and zero judgment.

Outside of my practice you'll usually find me behind a camera. Photography taught me to slow down and pay attention to small, beautiful details, and to appreciate that the same scene can look completely different depending on where you're standing (a lesson that I find turns out to be pretty useful in therapy as well). I love being out in nature whenever I can and at home I share my space with a cuddly cat who supervises most of my day.

I believe that you are the expert in your own life. Oftentimes people seek therapy as a way to cope with difficult environments, navigating a complex and rapidly changing world without the support they need to overcome obstacles. I have worked with disenfranchised folks most of my life - many impacted by systems involvement, lack of access to services, homelessness, and intimate partner violence. Past clients have shared they genuinely appreciate having a helping professional who meets them where they are at in life, supports them in achieving realistic goals, and keeps dignity, respect and honesty at the forefront of the work.

Sometimes it feels like you're carrying more than anyone else realizes. Anxiety, depression, painful experiences, parenting responsibilities, cultural expectations, or major life changes can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted and unsure of how to move forward. You may be taking care of everyone else while struggling to care for yourself. You don't have to keep doing it alone. I partner with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress management, panic disorder, cultural and ethnic issues, and trauma so they can build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create a greater sense of balance and confidence in their everyday lives. Working with adolescents, adults, and families, I strive to create a compassionate, culturally responsive environment where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered to grow. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the joy of working with wonderful, diverse communities—from LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC individuals to those navigating mental illness, homelessness, and co-occurring challenges. As a child of immigrants myself, I truly understand the cultural barriers around mental health. I’m here to help break down those walls and create a warm, safe space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported.