Paula Halewski

Paula is a licensed psychotherapist with 35+ years of experience who helps individuals navigate relationship challenges, career transitions, and the deeper patterns that shape how they live and connect. Her work is grounded in helping clients build self-awareness, strengthen emotional intelligence, and create more meaningful, aligned lives—both personally and professionally.

In addition to her therapy practice, Paula brings extensive experience as an executive and leadership coach. Having served in leadership roles including Team Leader, Director, and CEO, she understands the real-world pressures leaders face. She works with professionals who want to lead more effectively while staying grounded, relational, and aligned with their values.

Paula holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from NYU and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She also earned an Executive MBA from the University of Rochester and is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach through Georgetown University. She holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation, along with advanced training in team and systems coaching.

With a calm, thoughtful, and insight-oriented approach, Paula creates a space where clients can explore what’s not working, understand why, and make lasting changes. She specializes in relationship dynamics, communication, and the intersection of personal well-being and professional identity.

Known for her warmth, clarity, and grounded sense of humor, Paula helps clients do meaningful work in a way that feels both productive and human.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you in. We’ll start with a conversation about what’s currently on your mind—whether that’s a relationship challenge, career concern, or a general sense that something isn’t working the way you’d like.

I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand your experiences, patterns, and goals, but there’s no pressure to have everything figured out. You can share at your own pace. This is a space for open, honest conversation without judgment.

We’ll also talk about what you’re hoping to get out of our work together and begin identifying areas of focus. If it feels helpful, I may offer initial reflections or insights, but the first session is less about “fixing” things and more about building clarity and direction.

Just as importantly, this is your chance to get a feel for me—how I work, how the conversation flows, and whether it feels like a good fit. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential, and you should feel comfortable and supported.

By the end of the session, you can expect to have:

• A clearer understanding of your concerns and goals
• A sense of how I approach therapy
• An idea of what working together might look like moving forward

If we decide to continue, we’ll begin to develop a plan that supports meaningful, lasting change.