Paula Steele, LCSW

Maine | Online sessions in Maine | English | Book with Paula »

Compassionate social worker focused on real-life change

Details

Name	Paula Steele
Credentials	LCSW
Based in	Maine
Licensed in	Maine
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	15

About Paula

Paula Steele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, depression, and substance concerns. She practices from Maine and offers therapy in English. Paula combines a practical, down-to-earth style with clear goals and steady support.

Paula focuses on building a trusting relationship first. She listens with curiosity and without judgment. Together with each person she sets small, achievable steps for change rather than promising quick fixes.

Background and approach

Her background includes work across settings where people faced trauma, housing instability, domestic violence, and chronic illness. That experience shaped a calm approach to hard topics like grief, anger, and post-traumatic stress. Paula also brings long experience helping people manage ADHD, autism-related concerns, and parenting stress.

Paula uses several practical methods in sessions. She draws on Narrative Therapy to help people reframe stressful stories, Client-Centered Therapy to prioritize each person's goals, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to work on thoughts and behaviors that keep problems stuck. Mindfulness and motivational techniques are used when helpful.

Sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging so people can choose what fits their life. Paula emphasizes skill building, self-care, and connecting with natural supports like family, friends, and community resources. People who reach out can expect a collaborative pace and clear next steps.

Paula aims to help people feel steadier, more capable, and better able to handle the issues that brought them to therapy.

What this therapist works with

Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Parenting issues, Depression among the things Paula works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Paula among the ways she works.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Paula among the ways she works.
Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Paula among the ways she works.
Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Paula among the ways she works.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Paula among the ways she works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Paula directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Paula directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

How Paula’s Approaches Work Online

Narrative Therapy helps people separate themselves from their problems by rewriting the stories they tell about their lives. Online sessions can guide someone to spot recurring themes and try new narratives that reduce shame and increase agency.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's own goals and pace. The therapist listens deeply and reflects back what matters most, which helps people feel heard and clearer about next steps.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Online CBT sessions often include practical exercises and homework to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns related to anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest approaches to try. Decisions are made together and adjusted as progress is reviewed.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people work face-to-face when they want a closer connection. Phone sessions use less bandwidth for times when video is impractical. Live chat or text messaging can fit short check-ins, quick coping tips, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to match therapy to busy schedules and changing needs.

Common questions about this listing

What concerns does Paula address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include attachment issues, autism and Asperger Syndrome, caregiver stress, communication problems, and trauma-related concerns.

What is her style in therapy?

Her style is practical and person-centered. Paula listens without judgment, helps set small goals, and uses skill building and mindfulness to support progress.

How much experience does she have?

She has 15 years of clinical experience working in a range of settings with adults facing mental health symptoms, trauma, homelessness, and relationship challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

Paula holds the credential LCSW, listed as ME LCSW, and she practices from Maine.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and communication preferences.

How are fees and billing handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Paula?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with Paula are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Paula where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.

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