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- Client-centered therapy
- CBT techniques
- ACT and DBT elements
About Paula
Dr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW, holds clinical social work licensure in California and Illinois and practices in Missouri. She has 35 years of experience and focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family issues, grief, intimacy-related difficulties, parenting, self-esteem, career questions, coping with life changes, coaching, and ADHD. She describes her work as client-centered and uses methods clients prefer, including cognitive-behavioral techniques and elements from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Dr. Alvarez uses practical strategies in sessions. She offers homework and reading recommendations when clients want them. She says the client is the expert and adapts sessions to the client’s goals and preferences. Sessions may include skills practice, problem solving, and discussion of past experiences that affect present behavior.
Her background includes long experience in locked and outpatient mental health settings. She has worked with domestic violence perpetrator groups in both English and Spanish for several years. Her training includes a doctoral degree in Organizational Psychology and extensive clinical work across settings.
She lists a broad range of focus areas beyond core mood and trauma concerns, such as caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, codependency, communication problems, divorce and separation, immigration issues, eating and food-related issues, and end-of-life and hospice related counseling. These areas are part of the clinical work she reports doing.
Dr. Alvarez provides services in English and accepts international clients. Costs vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
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Approaches used and how online sessions can work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can help people who want to reduce avoidance and build a life that matters to them. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and supporting the client's own problem solving. It suits people who want work that follows their priorities and pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and uses practical exercises and homework to change patterns that cause distress.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Dr. Alvarez will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit current goals and preferences. That choice can be adjusted as therapy progresses.
Confirm current session formats before booking, as the profile does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-in meetings on a tight schedule, or making it possible to meet when work or caregiving demands make leaving home difficult. Licensed professionals can use a mix of discussion, skills practice, and assigned exercises that translate well to remote sessions. Ask about the available formats when scheduling so the practical details align with your needs.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
California, Missouri, Illinois
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What issues does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family matters, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting, self-esteem, career, life changes, coaching, and ADHD, plus additional focus areas listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses a client-centered approach and adapts methods to what each person prefers. She may include cognitive-behavioral techniques, ACT or DBT elements depending on the client.
How long has she practiced?
She has 35 years of professional experience in mental health settings.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with licensure in California and Illinois, and she practices in Missouri.
What languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English. Her background includes work delivered in Spanish, but current sessions are provided in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients. Confirm specific session options before booking to ensure they match your needs.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988.