- Client-centered therapy
- Mindfulness practices
- Motivational interviewing
About Paula
Paula Leapheart is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan with 16 years of experience in behavioral health. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family challenges, parenting concerns, trauma and grief, and difficulties around intimacy and self-esteem. Paula also addresses life changes, attachment and codependency patterns, communication problems, and financial or purpose-related worries.
Paula practices from a client-centered stance that starts by recognizing each person as the expert on their life. Sessions focus on listening first, then identifying practical next steps that fit the client’s goals. She draws on mindfulness and solution-focused tools to help people manage emotions and test small changes that reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
Her background includes a master’s degree in mental health counseling (2014) and many years working with people dealing with substance use, adjustment after major life events, and perinatal mood concerns. Paula uses motivational interviewing techniques when readiness for change is part of the work, especially around drug and alcohol issues.
In sessions she attends to patterns such as attachment or codependency and helps clients practice clearer communication and stronger boundaries. She also supports people working through guilt, shame, forgiveness, and questions about life purpose. Conversations are focused and practical, with an emphasis on what clients can try between meetings.
People who want a direct, listening-focused approach that includes concrete tools for stress, relationship problems, or addictive behaviors may find her way of working helpful. Clients are asked to select an online therapy option, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session to begin.
How Paula’s approaches translate to online work
Paula commonly uses client-centered therapy and motivational interviewing in her online work. Client-centered therapy means the therapist prioritizes listening and follows the client’s lead, helping people clarify what matters most to them. Motivational interviewing focuses on strengths and readiness for change, which is useful for substance use, lifestyle shifts, or any goal that requires gradual steps.She also draws on mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to help manage anxiety, stress, and difficult emotions. Mindfulness practices are brief exercises that increase moment-to-moment awareness and calm. Solution-focused methods concentrate on small, achievable changes and concrete problem-solving rather than long histories of problems.
Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the work and is decided together. Paula will discuss what feels most helpful based on a person’s concerns, goals, and preferences, then try strategies and adjust them over time in collaboration with the client.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats are used, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and offer choices about being on camera or not. Practical scheduling and format choices are discussed during the matching and intake process.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she focus on?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family problems, parenting concerns, trauma and grief, intimacy issues, and life changes.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses a client-centered approach with solution-focused and mindfulness tools to listen first, then identify practical steps to try between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field and earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling in 2014.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Michigan.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
She accepts international clients and sessions are conducted in English.
What session formats does she offer?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.