About Paula

Paula Knighton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia with 25 years of experience. She focuses on practical help for everyday problems like stress, anxiety, addiction, and low self-esteem. Paula aims to make the first step easier for people who feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Her sessions are straightforward and calm. She listens without judgment and helps clients notice what matters most to them. Conversations focus on small, workable steps that fit each person's life and goals.

Background and approach

Paula draws on a few different approaches to tailor care. She uses techniques from cognitive behavioral work to spot unhelpful thinking. She also brings Acceptance and Commitment ideas to help people commit to values-based action.

Motivational interviewing is part of how she supports change when someone feels unsure or stuck. Clients often reach out about relationship strain, grief, sleep problems, anger, or changes like divorce and career shifts. She also works with people managing chronic illness, addiction, mood disorders, and ADHD concerns.

Sessions aim to reduce daily friction and boost practical coping skills. Appointments are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules. Paula keeps sessions focused and collaborative, helping each person set clear, manageable goals for progress.

Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small actions that reflect those values. It helps people who feel stuck move toward what matters to them despite difficult thoughts or feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical tools to change unhelpful habits. It is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and mood regulation. Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change by exploring ambivalence and building internal motivation; it can be useful for addiction and readiness-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Paula will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. She uses those conversations to choose or combine approaches so the plan fits the person, not the other way around.

Online sessions are available by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video works well for in-depth conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging are useful for brief updates, coaching-style guidance, or for people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and maintain momentum between sessions.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Paula help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, self-esteem, depression, relationship and family issues, grief, sleep problems, anger, career transitions, bipolar concerns, coping with change, compassion fatigue, and ADHD-related issues.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is calm and nonjudgmental. Sessions focus on listening first, then trying short practical steps that match a person's goals.
What is her professional background?
She holds 25 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Virginia and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Paula offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Virginia
Languages
English

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