Sheila Paul, LMFT | Founder and CEO
Areas of Expertise:
• Trauma and PTSD
• Anxiety and Depression
• Toxic and Emotionally Immature Family Dynamics
• Chronic Stress and Burnout Grief and Loss
• Intergenerational Trauma
• Codependency and People-Pleasing
• Identity and Self-Esteem
Approach:
I bring a direct, compassionate, and client-focused approach to therapy. I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and insight-oriented modalities. I specialize in working with adult children of narcissists, survivors of emotional abuse, and those experiencing chronic anxiety or burnout. I believe therapy is a space to unpack the past and reclaim your future, focusing on progress, self-trust, and building a life that feels truly yours.
Who I work with and how I can help:
I work with adults who are ready to stop merely surviving and start truly living. Many of my clients are the dependable ones in their families, their workplaces, their communities, who have spent years holding everything together while quietly neglecting their own emotional needs. They are deep thinkers, often high-functioning on the outside, who are done tolerating old wounds, unhealthy relationships, and outdated survival strategies. If you have never had real space to process your story, that is exactly where we start.
Early sessions focus on untangling deeply rooted patterns shaped by past roles and unmet needs. Using EMDR, CBT, and insight-oriented approaches, I help clients work through trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, and the lasting impact of emotionally immature or toxic relationships. We build clarity, stronger boundaries, and a renewed sense of self at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy with me is not about perfection. It is about meaningful progress and building a life that actually feels like yours.
What my clients say about working with me:
Clients describe me as direct yet compassionate, someone who creates space where they feel genuinely seen and supported while being challenged to grow. Many share that for the first time they feel heard without judgment, and that our work together helped them build boundaries, make sense of longstanding patterns, and reconnect with who they are outside of the roles they have always played.
Off the clock:
When I am not in session, you can find me painting Warhammer miniatures, getting lost in a good book, or relaxing with a cozy show. I also love spending quality time with my kids, whether we are having deep talks or just sharing a quiet moment together.
Education:
• Master of Arts in Psychology, Chapman University, 2007
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Chapman University, 2005
• EMDR Training I & II, EMDR Center of the Rockies, 2020
Licensure:
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT 48199, CA, 2010
Volunteer Work:
• The Soldier’s Project
• Lutheran Social Services
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
~ Wayne Dyer