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Paula Knighton

Paula Knighton

Therapist · Virginia

Practical, steady counseling for everyday struggles

  • Evening appointments
  • Acceptance and ACT
  • Focus on life changes

About Paula

Paula Knighton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Virginia with 25 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, work through addictions, and address trauma and abuse. Paula also supports clients who struggle with self-esteem, motivation, relationship and interpersonal problems, and issues such as grief and life transitions.

Paula creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk honestly about what is hard for them. She listens first and helps clients identify what matters most to them. Sessions emphasize practical steps and clearer thinking so clients can start making changes between visits.

Her work draws on several therapeutic approaches including acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive behavioral strategies, and client-centered listening. Paula also uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy and motivational interviewing when those fit a person's goals. She adapts methods to each person rather than following one rigid model.

Paula typically works in evening hours Monday through Thursday, with short Friday and Saturday options. If a session start is delayed by 15 minutes or more she asks that it be rescheduled to keep scheduling fair for everyone.

People seeking help with money and financial issues, career questions, ADHD, chronic health concerns, or relationship trouble can raise those topics in an initial conversation. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire to schedule according to therapist availability.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, then clarify values and take small actions toward a fuller life. ACT can help with anxiety, stress, and motivation problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; it uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns and can be useful for depression, anxiety, and mood regulation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and creating a respectful relationship so people can find their own solutions and build self-trust.

Paula treats finding the right approach as a team effort. She will discuss different methods and try ways of working that match a person's needs and preferences. Goals, comfort level, and daily life constraints guide choices about what to emphasize in sessions.

Please confirm which session formats are offered before booking since the biography does not specify them. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins from a convenient location. Different formats can also suit different needs - for example, shorter phone check-ins can be a good way to maintain momentum, while video sessions allow more face-to-face interaction. The therapist will help tailor session length and focus so therapy fits into everyday life.

Areas of focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Aging and geriatric issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessHoardingInfidelityLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveWorkplace issues

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Paula help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, self-esteem, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, parenting, anger, career concerns, bipolar and other mood disorders, and money and financial issues among others.

What is her therapy style like?

Sessions are conversational and practical. She listens without judgment and helps clients set manageable goals and steps to try between sessions.

How much experience does she have?

Paula has 25 years of professional experience supporting people through a wide range of life and mental health challenges.

Where is she licensed and located?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Virginia and practices with that credential within the state.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography and may vary over time.

How do fees and payment work?

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

How do I get started with Paula?

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

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