- Client-centered methods
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Dialectical skills
About Paula
Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut is an LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH practicing in South Dakota with 17 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, depression, and LGBT issues. Paula takes a straightforward, person-focused approach and aims to help people find practical steps forward.
Paula uses methods that include client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior ideas, emotionally-focused approaches, and existential perspectives. In sessions she helps people notice patterns, test small behavior changes, and practice new ways of responding to stressful situations. The emphasis is on concrete skills as well as understanding what matters to the person.
Her background includes nearly two decades in practice. She draws on life experience as a parent and grandparent alongside her clinical work to keep conversation grounded and plain. She prefers short, clear goals that can be measured and adjusted over time.
People can expect a collaborative conversation about what is most pressing and what fits into day-to-day life. Paula describes her role as a guide who listens without judgment and helps people build tools and strategies they can use outside the session.
For someone worried about social interactions, public speaking, or the stress of being observed, she focuses on small, manageable steps. The work often combines thought-focused techniques with skills practice to reduce avoidance and increase confidence in social settings.
How Paula's approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and exploring what matters most to the person. Online or in person, this approach helps people feel heard and organize goals they want to work on. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and teaches practical experiments and strategies to shift those patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety and social fears because it offers concrete practice techniques. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes skill-building in emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It can help people manage strong emotions and improve communication in stressful moments.Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the work. Paula will talk with each person about what seems most useful and adjust methods based on the person's needs, goals, and preferences. That means starting with simple steps and changing course if something doesn't fit.
The original profile does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. They also let people practice skills in real-life settings and bring examples from day-to-day situations into the session for discussion.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
Montana, Washington, South Dakota, Utah
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship struggles, depression, and LGBT issues, as well as related focus areas like attachment, body image, chronic illness, and substance concerns.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. Paula combines client-centered listening with cognitive and skills-based techniques to focus on clear steps forward.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 17 years of clinical experience working with adults on a range of concerns.
What credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH credentials and practices in South Dakota.
Can I work with her if I'm outside the United States?
International clients are accepted. Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.