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LCSW

Dr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW

  • Experience35 years
  • LocationMissouri
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, and Anger
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Paula

Dr. Paula Alvarez brings 35 years of clinical experience to people seeking practical, person-centered support.

Background and approach

She is identified as an LCSW and works from Missouri, offering an approach that honors each person's expertise about their life while providing structure when needed.

Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and career challenges, ADHD, and questions of life purpose. Her therapeutic style blends Internal Family Systems with client-centered principles and evidence-based techniques like CBT and DBT when appropriate.

She has extensive background in both locked and outpatient mental health settings and previously facilitated group treatment for domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. Sessions may include goal-focused strategies, skills training, homework or bibliotherapy for clients who want them.

Dr. Alvarez frames therapy as a collaborative process aimed at helping people manage symptoms, rebuild strengths, and navigate major life transitions.

Integrating Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care



Internal Family Systems (IFS) views the mind as made up of different parts and helps clients relate to those parts with curiosity and compassion; this approach can be useful for working through internal conflicts, trauma-related reactions, and patterns that feel stuck. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and building psychological flexibility through acceptance and mindful action, which often helps with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the therapist's attuned presence to support clients in finding their own solutions and building self-trust.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will explore goals, preferences, and current needs with each client and may blend IFS, ACT, client-centered work, and skills-based methods like CBT or DBT when appropriate to tailor care to the individual. This allows sessions to stay focused on what matters most to the client while drawing on different tools as needed.

Online therapy with Dr. Alvarez uses video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and make consistent care more accessible for varied schedules and locations. These formats allow for real-time conversation and ongoing contact in ways that can support skill practice, coaching, and steady progress across life changes.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Dr. Paula Alvarez address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression and bipolar disorder, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy challenges, parenting concerns, ADHD, and life purpose questions.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her practice is client-centered and collaborative, integrating Internal Family Systems with cognitive and behavioral techniques such as CBT and DBT when they fit a client's needs.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She has 35 years of clinical experience and has worked in both locked and outpatient mental health facilities, including eight years facilitating bilingual group treatment for domestic violence perpetrators.
Which credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She holds an LCSW with license details CA LCSW 19790 and IL LCSW 149.023704, and her practice is based in Missouri.
Does she offer services in languages other than English or accept international clients?
She provides services in English and does accept international clients.
What session formats are available for working together?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and payments handled for sessions?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodHypnotherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

California, Missouri, Illinois

Languages

English