- Years in practice
- 10
- Credentials
- LMFT
- Licensed in
- California
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
About Paula
Paula Fuentes is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with ten years of clinical experience. She focuses on supporting people through anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, trauma, and issues around parenting and self-esteem. Paula creates a calm, respectful space where clients can talk about what matters most to them and try new ways of coping.
Her work emphasizes clear communication and building practical skills. She helps clients notice patterns that get in the way and then practices alternative responses in session.
Background and approach
Sessions often include straightforward exercises, short skill-building practices, and check-ins that track progress over time. Paula has a history of working with diverse communities and people exploring different relationship structures and identities. She pays attention to how family of origin, cultural background, and sexual identity shape present challenges.
This background informs how she frames conversations about boundaries, desire, and trust. She draws on client-centered methods alongside cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques. That means sessions balance listening with hands-on tools for managing strong emotions and unhelpful thinking.
Paula also uses emotionally-focused ideas when working through attachment and relationship patterns. People who come to Paula can expect a collaborative approach. She meets each person where they are and works on goals they define together.
The aim is steady, manageable change rather than quick fixes.
What Paula works with
Everything Paula lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Paula helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fertility issues
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Paula lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and understanding each person's priorities. In practice this means sessions start with the client's concerns and move at their pace, focusing on strengths and clarity about goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that maintain distress and then testing small changes. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns because it offers concrete skills for managing difficult moments.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, brings in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. It can be helpful when emotions feel overwhelming or when communication patterns create repeated conflict.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Paula will talk with each person about what feels most useful and may combine elements from different methods based on needs and goals. The plan is adjusted over time so work stays practical and relevant.
Online therapy with Paula is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is good for full conversations and using visual cues. Phone sessions can fit into a short break or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging work well for quick check-ins, homework ideas, or ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to schedule care and keep momentum from week to week.
Questions people ask about Paula
What concerns does Paula commonly help with?
She helps people managing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and self-esteem issues. Additional areas include codependency, communication problems, fertility concerns, and questions about gender and sexuality.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens closely, offers skills from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches, and works with clients to practice new responses between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of experience providing therapy in California and has worked with a range of backgrounds and identities.
What credentials and region apply to her practice?
Paula holds the LMFT credential, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and she practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How do I get started with a session?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability. The subscription used for sessions can be canceled at any time.
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