Family therapy and counseling in Minnesota

I have 6+ years of working with both individuals and couples. I work to create an atmosphere free of judgement while trying to be as direct as possible.

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.

My work is deeply rooted in empathy, lived understanding, and respect for each person’s unique healing process.

I am a survivor of domestic violence, and I understand firsthand the complex emotional impact of trauma, including fear, loss of control, self-doubt, and the long path toward safety and healing. I also experienced the loss of a parent during childhood, which gives me a deep appreciation for how grief, attachment wounds, and early loss can affect emotional development and adult relationships.

These experiences do not define my clients’ journeys, nor do I assume their experiences mirror my own. Instead, they allow me to sit with pain without minimizing it, rushing it, or trying to “fix” it. I understand how important it is to feel believed, respected, and heard.

Clients should also know that I value transparency, trust, and collaboration. Therapy with me is a space where your voice matters, your boundaries are honored, and your strengths are recognized. I am committed to providing trauma-informed care that is compassionate, steady, and grounded in both clinical skill and genuine human connection.

Couples who call me say they've drifted apart, feel more like roommates, and affection has stopped. Ineffective patterns of communication prevent them from reaching to each other. The magic in their relationship has died and the dance has ended. Individuals who call me say they are exhausted, discouraged, and dissatisfied with life. Old thoughts and behaviors continue to negatively impact who they are, what they want to accomplish, and their relationships. They too, have lost the meaning and magic of life. Healthy relationships, whether with yourself or others, are key to a happy, satisfying, life and keeping the magic going.

I am a holder of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Minnesota and a highly results-oriented multicultural therapist with over 10 years of experience. The value I bring to therapy is building a strong therapeutic relationship with my client. I have the skills, knowledge, and ability that are required as a therapist to gather comprehensive information during an assessment, which my client and I will utilize collaboratively to develop a supportive treatment plan and coping skills for the client to implement when their mental health symptoms exacerbate. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a good Knowledge of cultural differences.

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I believe you deserve someone who will meet you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to be yourself—without judgment—and where we can work together to better understand the challenges you're facing and the strengths you already possess.

I hold a master's degree in Addictions and Rehabilitation Counseling and am a license professional clinical counselor in the Minnesota. Before becoming a therapist, I earned my medical degree in Mexico, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the connection between emotional and physical well-being.