PuttingFamilyFirst

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PS Portrait of Paula Sponaugle
Online therapist

Paula Sponaugle

Calm practical support for family and parenting concerns

Credentials
MD, LCSW-C
Experience
35 years
Licensed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Paula

Paula Sponaugle is a Maryland-licensed clinician with 35 years of professional experience. She combines medical and social work training as an MD and an LCSW-C to guide people through stressful periods. Her manner is relaxed and flexible so conversations feel natural and focused.

She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, family tensions, and parenting challenges. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented, aimed at finding small steps that make day-to-day life easier.

Background and approach

Paula listens first, then offers tools that fit the situation. Her practice blends solution-focused work with Cognitive Behavioral approaches and other evidence-based methods. That mix lets her tailor strategies for problem solving, changing unhelpful thoughts, and building coping skills.

She adapts techniques to match each person’s needs rather than using a single method. Paula emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every session. She aims to create a calm space where people can talk through what’s hard without feeling rushed.

Over time she supports gradual change and practical improvements that matter at home. Sessions are offered in English and conducted online in formats that suit different schedules. People interested in beginning therapy complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability.

Her license is MD LCSW-C 05862 in Maryland.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Solution-focused work concentrates on clear, short-term goals and small steps toward change. It helps when a family or parent wants quick, practical ways to address a specific problem rather than long-term exploration.

Cognitive Behavioral approaches look at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teach specific skills to shift unhelpful thinking and behavior. This method is useful for managing anxiety, low mood, and stress with concrete exercises and homework between sessions.

Paula blends these evidence-based techniques with other proven methods to meet each person’s needs. She will collaborate with clients to decide which approach fits their goals and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation from home, phone sessions remove the need for a camera, and live chat or text messaging can support check-ins or shorter exchanges. These options make it easier to keep momentum, fit sessions into family schedules, and use tools learned in therapy in real time.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does this therapist address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and parenting issues based on her stated specialties.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is relaxed and flexible, focusing on practical tools and goals so conversations feel natural and useful.
What experience does she bring?
She has 35 years of professional work experience combining medical and social work perspectives.
What credentials and location are listed?
The credentials shown are MD and LCSW-C with license number MD LCSW-C 05862, and she is licensed in Maryland.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
35 years
Licensed
Maryland
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Paula

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