Paula Peterson

Paula Peterson is a licensed professional counselor who uses a person-focused approach to help people facing hard moments. She blends down-to-earth listening with practical tools to address stress, anxiety, grief, and other struggles. Paula’s style is calm and straightforward, with an emphasis on helping people move forward one step at a time.

She draws on nearly two decades of counseling experience, and she combines client-centered listening with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR when helpful. That mix lets Paula address upsetting thoughts, painful memories, and day-to-day coping skills in concrete ways. Sessions often include goal-setting, skills practice, and gentle exploration of difficult feelings.

Her background includes a degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and long experience in day treatment and outpatient settings. She has worked with adults and adolescents on issues like trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and anger. Paula also supports people dealing with addictions, spiritual concerns, and life transitions.

Paula tends to focus on practical change while also making room for emotional healing. She helps people examine their patterns, strengthen self-worth, and rebuild routines after loss or big life changes. Her approach is collaborative - she partners with each person to find the most useful steps.

If her way of working resonates, Paula invites you to reach out and begin the process. She aims to walk alongside people during challenging times, including those coping with end-of-life situations and hospice-related concerns.

How Paula’s approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The therapist creates a nonjudgmental space where people can speak openly and decide the direction of work. This approach helps when someone needs time to make sense of grief, life changes, or low self-worth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often includes homework and short exercises that reduce anxiety, manage depression, and improve daily routines. EMDR offers a structured way to address traumatic memories when those memories interfere with everyday life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Paula works together with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and comfort level. That means trying different tools, tracking what helps, and adjusting as progress is made.

Confirm the specific online session options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and make it easier to keep regular appointments. It can also allow for shorter check-ins or flexible timing to accommodate work, caregiving, or medical schedules.