Paula Sussman

Paula Sussman is a licensed clinical social worker with thirty years of experience helping people through life changes and relationship struggles. She focuses on building a respectful, trusting relationship so clients feel heard and able to move forward. Paula brings warmth, a gentle sense of humor, and steady support to sessions.

She helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem. Paula also works with caregivers, those facing chronic illness or aging concerns, and people wrestling with life purpose or midlife transitions. Women's issues and challenges of young adulthood are part of her practice focus.

Paula uses approaches that center the client’s experience and strengths. She pays attention to each person's feelings and perspectives and encourages their capacity for positive change. Sessions typically include listening, reflecting, and practical steps clients can try between meetings.

Her way of working is collaborative and paced to the person. Paula listens for what matters most and then helps set achievable goals. She often blends short-term solution-focused work with deeper client-centered conversation and motivational interviewing techniques when helpful.

Paula is based in Colorado and meets with people throughout the state. She invites prospective clients to ask questions and discuss whether her style fits their needs before committing to therapy.

How her approaches shape online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's experience. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects feelings back, and helps identify strengths to build on. This approach can be useful for people grappling with grief, isolation, or low self-esteem.

Motivational Interviewing is a conversational, nonjudgmental style that helps people find their own reasons for change. It supports clearer decision-making and practical steps, which can help with stress, caregiver burnout, or making life changes.

Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, concrete goals and what already works for a person. It often leads to focused action steps clients can try between sessions to reduce anxiety or improve relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Clients and therapist review progress and adjust the plan over time so sessions stay useful.

Session logistics and formats should be confirmed before booking, as specific options are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example it can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins on a lunch break, or avoid the need to be on camera when that helps a person focus. Ask about current session options when you schedule so you know what will work best for your routine.