- CBT techniques
- Client-centered work
- Acceptance-based ideas
About Paula
Dr. Paula Alvarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience. She practices in Missouri and lists stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, and relationship concerns among the issues she works with.
She takes a straightforward, person-focused approach in sessions. She uses client-centered methods and treats the person as the expert about their life. She offers CBT-style exercises and homework when that fits a client's preference, and she names brief solution-focused work and motivational interviewing as other tools she uses.
Her background includes long experience in both locked and outpatient mental health settings. She has worked with domestic violence treatment groups in English and Spanish for several years and has experience supporting older adults and caregivers. Those roles shaped how she approaches trauma-related symptoms, geriatric issues, and recovery from substance problems.
She holds an EdD in Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology and maintains her LCSW credential. In practice she often blends cognitive-behavioral skills, acceptance-based ideas, and client-centered listening to help people manage symptoms and daily challenges.
Sessions typically include practical strategies and talking through patterns that make situations harder. She offers reading suggestions and homework for people who want concrete steps between meetings. Prospective clients are asked to follow the service's matching and scheduling process to set up a first session.
How her approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing thoughts and values-driven action rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings; it can help when anxiety or avoidance get in the way of everyday goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical exercises to change patterns that maintain anxiety. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what a person says so goals and next steps become clearer through conversation.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist discusses goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before, then chooses techniques together so sessions match the person’s needs. This is a collaborative process rather than a fixed package.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also makes it possible to use written homework, worksheets, and guided exercises between meetings, which fits well with CBT and ACT techniques.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
California, Missouri, Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She lists stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting and self-esteem among the concerns she works with.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a client-centered approach and adapts methods to what each person prefers, offering conversational work alongside practical exercises when wanted.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 35 years of experience working in locked and outpatient mental health settings, and she has facilitated domestic violence treatment groups in English and Spanish.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCSW and practices in Missouri, with prior licensure noted in California and Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English; her background includes work in both English and Spanish settings.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through that process.