Hi there, I'm Paula!

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider, Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator, Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor.

My focus

I prefer to work with clients who understand that there are areas of their lives that are not working in a positive manner and want to learn the tools to progress. My ideal client is willing and open to the idea that to change, improve, or progress, they will need to implement new ways of viewing and reacting to old situations.

My approach

I utilize many different treatment modalities based on client needs, with a primary focus on Cognitive-Based Therapy with a Strength-based, Solution-focused emphasis. No two clients are the same, and a therapist should be comfortable and knowledgeable to serve the client's needs.

My communication style

I have a direct style of communication that involves rational compassion and active listening while teaching personal accountability in different seasons of life. I feel this allows clients to move through difficult times with less stress and a better ability to utilize healthy communication and problem-solving in the future.

My journey to mental healthcare

I feel like being a therapist is a lot like being a teacher, only I educate on problem-solving, emotional regulation, unresolved baggage, and other things that many of us do not learn how to address in a healthy manner.

My goals for you

Setting realistic and measurable goals related to behavioral and coping skill issues, as well as various addictive behaviors. Collaborative treatment goals would be measurable to ensure progress while using the solution and future-focused therapy that requires the client to complete assignments outside of sessions.

Our first session

Have an open discussion about why the client is seeking therapy at this time. This allows for building rapport and increases the likelihood that a thorough intake is completed and is able to determine core clinical issues.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White, Prefer Not to Respond

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)

Motivational Interviewing

Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)

Sex Therapy

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 8 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Ambetter

+ 41 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions

1011 Broadway P.O. Box 541, Mt Vernon, IL 62864

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Paula Lawrence