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Paula Steele

Therapist · Maine

Paula Steele, LCSW

Practical support for stressed parents and caregivers

Continue with Paula

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Client-centered care
  • Skill building focus
  • Caregiver-aware approach

About Paula

Paula Steele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with about 15 years of experience in social work and clinical settings. She brings a practical, down-to-earth approach and a focus on the everyday stresses that make life harder for parents and caregivers.

She works from a client-centered, strengths-based perspective. Sessions focus on building trust, learning coping skills, and finding realistic ways to manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, or relationship strain. Paula emphasizes skill building, self-care, and mindfulness to help people meet their goals.

Her background includes work across day treatment, in-home support, and individual counseling for adults dealing with mental health symptoms, domestic violence, homelessness, chronic illness, and criminal history. That range gives her experience with practical problem solving and accessing community resources.

Paula also speaks from personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs. She understands the pressures of parenting, coordinating services, and balancing responsibilities while trying to keep stress manageable.

People who choose her often want straightforward help with parenting stress, caregiver strain, sleep problems, mood and anxiety, addiction concerns, or navigating big life changes. She aims to make therapy useful in daily life and to help people build supports that last.

To begin, clients are guided through an initial matching and scheduling process so sessions can be planned around current needs and availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsGuilt and shamePanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Credentials

Maine

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches and online support for caregivers

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person's own goals and strengths and encourages collaboration in each session. It helps when someone wants a calm, listening space to sort priorities and make a plan.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It offers practical steps and small experiments that can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or change unhelpful patterns related to mood and stress.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that can reduce overwhelm and help with emotional regulation during busy caregiving days.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and will adjust methods together so sessions feel useful and relevant.

Confirm the exact online session options before booking so you know how appointments will be delivered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for brief check-ins when needed. It also lets people use tools and handouts together during the session to practice skills between meetings.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Paula help with?

She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, parenting pressures, ADHD, addictions, grief, and relationship or family concerns among other issues.

What is her therapy style like?

Her work is client-centered and strengths-based with an emphasis on practical skills, mindfulness, and building supports that fit everyday life.

How long has she been practicing?

Paula brings about 15 years of experience in social work and clinical roles, including day treatment, in-home support, and individual counseling.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, ME LCSW, and practices from Maine.

Can sessions be conducted in other languages or with international clients?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered for appointments.

How does cost work for sessions?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

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

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Paula SteeleReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

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