- Skill focused
- Person centered
- Evidence informed
About Paula
Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, depression, and concerns tied to LGBT identity. She works with adults coping with chronic illness, parenting through adoption and foster care issues, aging and geriatric concerns, and attachment or communication difficulties. Her approach is practical and direct, aimed at giving clear tools people can use day to day.
Paula has 17 years of clinical experience and holds LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH credentials. She draws on client-centered methods to put the person’s goals first. Sessions often include elements from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to address thinking patterns and skills for emotional regulation.
In the room she focuses on small, manageable steps. She teaches coping skills for mood, stress, and substance-related problems. She also helps people navigate life changes like divorce, separation, or caregiving for older relatives.
Her style balances practical skill-building with space for people to reflect on meaning and values. That sometimes involves existential questions about purpose and direction alongside concrete behavior changes.
Paula aims to tailor plans to each person’s needs. She emphasizes kindness toward oneself while working on change. When someone is ready to begin, she guides them through the first steps toward clearer routines and better daily functioning.
Paula has 17 years of clinical experience and holds LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH credentials. She draws on client-centered methods to put the person’s goals first. Sessions often include elements from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to address thinking patterns and skills for emotional regulation.
In the room she focuses on small, manageable steps. She teaches coping skills for mood, stress, and substance-related problems. She also helps people navigate life changes like divorce, separation, or caregiving for older relatives.
Her style balances practical skill-building with space for people to reflect on meaning and values. That sometimes involves existential questions about purpose and direction alongside concrete behavior changes.
Paula aims to tailor plans to each person’s needs. She emphasizes kindness toward oneself while working on change. When someone is ready to begin, she guides them through the first steps toward clearer routines and better daily functioning.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
Montana, Washington, South Dakota, Utah
Languages
English
How the therapist’s approaches work in online care
Client-centered therapy puts the person’s goals and values at the center. Online sessions using this approach focus on listening carefully, reflecting what matters to the client, and shaping goals that fit daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. In an online setting this often looks like setting small experiments between sessions and reviewing what worked.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That may mean mixing client-centered listening with CBT skill practice or adding dialectical behavior therapy tools for emotional regulation. Decisions happen together as needs change.
The biography does not list which session formats are offered, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also make it simpler to attend when concentration or mobility is limited. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and skill practice to the online setting so people keep progressing toward everyday goals.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Paula commonly help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship problems, and LGBT-related concerns, plus related issues like chronic pain, communication problems, and codependency.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and person-centered. She focuses on teaching skills, changing unhelpful thinking, and creating small steps toward better daily functioning.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has 17 years of experience working in clinical settings and brings a mix of skill-building and reflective approaches to care.
What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?
She holds LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH credentials and practices in South Dakota.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.