Paula Ocampo

Get to Know Me

Hi, I’m Paula! I’m an LPCC who works with young children and their families, teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I take a relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, with a focus on understanding the why behind what we’re experiencing—not just managing the symptoms. I also have a special interest in neurodiversity and enjoy working with neurodivergent individuals and families, approaching differences with curiosity, compassion, and a strengths-based perspective. I value honesty, curiosity, and creating a space where you can be yourself without having to have everything figured out. Therapy can be hard work, but I believe we can approach it with compassion, a little humor, and a “okay, this is where we are—now what can we do with it?” kind of energy.

When you sit down with me, my hope is that you feel like you can take a breath and be a person—not a diagnosis, a problem to solve, or a list of symptoms. I want my office to feel warm, relaxed, and genuine, with room for both the serious stuff and the occasional laugh when we need one.

You won't be expected to have the perfect words or know exactly what you need from therapy. I'll be curious about your story, listen for what's underneath the surface, and help you make sense of what you're experiencing without judgment. Sometimes we'll do some deeper work; sometimes we'll figure out what you need to get through this particular week.

Most importantly, you don't have to perform for me. You can come as you are, and we'll figure out the next step together.

Your first session is really about getting to know each other and figuring out where to start. I'll want to hear what brought you to therapy, what has been going on in your life, and what you're hoping might be different with some support. You don't need to come in with a perfectly organized story or a list of goals—we can figure that out together.

I'll ask questions, listen, and offer some initial thoughts about what might be helpful moving forward. We may begin identifying patterns, strengths, and a few goals for our work, but there isn't a pressure to have everything figured out in one session.

Most importantly, I want you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and a little more hopeful about what we can work on together.