Paula Knighton, LPC - Therapist in Virginia

About Paula

Paula Knighton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Virginia with 25 years of experience. She focuses on practical help for stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, self-esteem, depression, relationship struggles, parenting concerns, grief, and other life challenges. Her style is straightforward and calm, aimed at helping people take small, usable steps forward.

Paula keeps sessions focused on what matters most to each person. Paula creates a nonjudgmental space where clients can speak honestly about difficult topics.

Background and approach

She listens closely and helps identify goals that feel realistic. Sessions often involve learning new coping skills and testing them between meetings. Paula also uses conversation to uncover patterns that keep problems stuck.

Her work draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients clarify values and commit to meaningful actions. Motivational Interviewing is part of her toolbox when people need to build readiness to change.

Paula has experience helping with a wide range of additional concerns, including chronic pain and illness, aging issues, divorce and separation, substance problems, hoarding, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Her background supports both short-term problem solving and longer work on deeper patterns. Sessions are offered in English and are scheduled around the therapist's listed hours.

Paula asks clients to arrive on time since late arrivals may require rescheduling. The intake process begins with a short matching questionnaire and scheduling through the site.

Practical therapy approaches for online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them block meaningful action. It focuses on clarifying what matters most and taking steps that align with those values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches skills to change unhelpful patterns; it is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many stress-related issues. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps build motivation and commitment when someone is uncertain about change.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or has not helped in the past. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made. This keeps therapy collaborative and tailored to real needs.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to use tools learned in sessions between meetings. The variety of formats also lets people choose the way they communicate that feels most comfortable while keeping the focus on practical steps and skills.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Paula address?

She works with many issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, relationship and family troubles, grief, parenting, anger, and sleep problems.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is nonjudgmental and practical. She listens closely, helps set realistic goals, and teaches coping skills to use between sessions.

What is her professional background?

Paula brings 25 years of experience supporting people through mood, behavior, and life transition issues. She combines short-term strategies with longer work on underlying patterns.

What credentials and region are listed?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with license VA LPC 0701005340 and practices in Virginia.

Which languages and international options are available?

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

In what formats are sessions offered?

Sessions can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to the therapist's practice setup.

How are fees structured?

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

What is the first step to start therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling a session based on the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 25 years
Licensed: Virginia
Languages: English

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