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Headshot of Paula Woods-Thomas, LCSW

Paula Woods-Thomas

Therapist(She/Her)
12 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Stress management, End of life care, Women's issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

I help clients navigate stress, transitions, and identity challenges through a warm, supportive blend of clinical social work and creative wellness. My approach is collaborative and grounded in helping you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical skills for growth. It is important to meet clients where they are and to help guide them where they want to be.

My approach to therapy

I take a warm, collaborative, and practical approach to therapy, helping clients build skills they can use in everyday life. My work draws from Problem Solving Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strength Based approaches.

Together, we clarify challenges, identify what is within your control, and develop realistic strategies to move toward meaningful and sustainable change. I focus on building on your existing strengths while introducing tools that increase confidence, resilience, and emotional clarity.

What you can expect from me

In our first session, you can expect a calm and welcoming space where you can share what brings you in at your own pace. We will discuss your goals, explore what feels most important right now, and begin outlining a plan that feels realistic and empowering.

Your treatment plan is always flexible and can evolve as your needs change. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and clear about the direction we are taking together.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Warm, Solution Oriented

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    12 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Pittsburgh
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Illinois)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ascension, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Stress management, End of life care, Women's issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • More specialties
    Anger management, Panic disorders, Grief or loss
  • Therapy methods
    Gestalt, Brief Dynamic, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychoeducational Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Incident Stress Debrief (CISD), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Seeking Safety, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strength-Based, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
  • Languages
    English