Paula Sponaugle, MD, LCSW-C
Calm, practical support for parenting and stress
Explore online therapy options- Years in practice
- 35
- Credentials
- MD, LCSW-C
- Licensed in
- Maryland
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Family conflicts
- Focus
- Parenting issues
About Paula
Paula Sponaugle is a licensed clinician in Maryland with 35 years of experience. She holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). Paula focuses on helping people who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, family concerns, and parenting challenges.
She aims for a respectful and compassionate tone in sessions. Her style is relaxed and flexible so people can feel more at ease while they talk through hard topics.
Background and approach
Paula combines practical strategies with short-term problem solving to meet each person where they are. In practice she mixes solution-focused techniques with Cognitive Behavioral approaches and other evidence-based methods. That combination is used to set small, achievable goals and to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
Sessions often include concrete tools people can try between meetings. Paula also brings experience addressing addiction-related coping alongside family and parenting stress. She helps people sort priorities, set boundaries, and create realistic plans that fit daily life.
Her long career gives her familiarity with a wide range of concerns and practical ways to move forward. People who prefer a calm, pragmatic clinician may find her approach helpful. She offers straightforward conversation, targeted exercises, and collaborative planning so progress feels manageable.
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
- Family conflicts
- Parenting issues
- Depression
Practical therapeutic options for online parenting and stress work
Paula uses a mix of evidence-based techniques tailored to each person. Cognitive Behavioral methods focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce anxiety and low mood. That work is often paired with specific homework tasks so progress continues between sessions.She also uses solution-focused techniques that zero in on small, achievable steps. Those methods help when parents or stressed individuals want quick, practical changes like new routines, clearer boundaries, or manageable coping plans. Together these approaches target everyday problems and offer concrete tools to try at home.
Finding the best approach is collaborative. Paula will work with each person to identify goals and try techniques that fit their needs and preferences. If something doesn’t fit, she adjusts the plan so sessions stay useful and realistic.
Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules. Video calls let people use face-to-face interaction from different locations. Phone sessions or live chat can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in fits a lunch break. Text-based messaging supports ongoing tracking and quick reflections between sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy part of a busy life.
Questions people ask about Paula
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting issues, and coping related to addictions.
What is her general therapy style?
Her approach is relaxed and flexible with a focus on practical strategies and short-term problem solving to help people move forward.
How much experience does she have?
She brings 35 years of professional experience in clinical work and related settings.
What credentials and location apply?
She holds an MD and is an LCSW-C, and she practices in Maryland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does cost work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and services are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.
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