Paula Knighton

Experienced Virginia LPC focused on practical change

LPC Virginia

Experience: 25 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Paula

Paula Knighton is an LPC with 25 years of clinical experience practicing in Virginia. She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and mood concerns such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Background and approach

Her work also addresses interpersonal and life-stress issues including self-esteem, relationships, family difficulties, grief, intimacy challenges, parenting, career transitions, and coping with major life changes. Her style emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients are invited to explore thoughts and feelings at their own pace.

Paula integrates practical, evidence-informed tools alongside reflective, client-centered conversation to support motivation, build coping skills, and improve day-to-day functioning. She tailors methods to each person’s needs, drawing from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Paula offers flexible scheduling across weekday evenings and select weekend times, and uses a subscription-based session model that can be canceled at any time. She provides services in English and is not accepting international clients.

Approaches that guide online work and practical benefits

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and learning practical skills to change behaviors and emotional responses; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult internal experiences while committing to meaningful actions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a collaborative relationship that supports self-exploration and personal growth.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to assess their needs, goals, and preferences and then adapt interventions accordingly, combining methods when that best serves progress and comfort.

Online therapy offers flexible options to fit varied schedules and lifestyles, with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging available. These formats make it easier to access care from home or work and to continue momentum during busy periods, while allowing licensed professionals to provide consistent therapeutic support across different communication styles.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Paula commonly address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping difficulties, parenting, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach combines a nonjudgmental, client-centered stance with practical, skills-based techniques to help clients build coping strategies and improve functioning.

What background and experience does she bring?

Paula has 25 years of professional work experience in clinical practice, bringing long-term exposure to many presenting issues and therapeutic approaches.

What credentials and location are listed?

She holds the LPC credential with licence VA LPC 0701005340 and practices in Virginia.

Which languages and international availability apply?

Sessions are conducted in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are offered?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and scheduling.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process for getting started?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessHoardingInfidelityLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Virginia

Languages

English