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LPC

Paula Knighton, LPC

  • Experience25 years
  • LocationVirginia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Paula

Paula Knighton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia with 25 years of clinical experience.

Background and approach

She draws on a broad background helping people manage stress and anxiety, address addictions, and process trauma and abuse, while also supporting work on motivation, self-esteem, relationships, grief, and many other life challenges. Her training includes several evidence-based and relational approaches that inform tailored treatment plans.

Her style emphasizes an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients are invited to explore difficult thoughts and emotions at their own pace. Paula frames therapy as a collaborative effort - she offers guidance and structure while centering each person’s goals and values.

Practical skills, emotional processing, and motivational work are balanced to help clients move toward greater functioning and well-being. Scheduling is available Monday through Thursday evenings, a shorter Friday slot, and Saturday mornings with the option to add additional Saturday times when needed.

Paula asks clients to arrive on time, as sessions missed by more than 15 minutes will require rescheduling. She provides services in English to people located in Virginia.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Options



Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and learn skills to accept difficult thoughts while taking meaningful action; it is often useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical strategies, making it helpful for anxiety, depression, and coping skills. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-focused style that helps strengthen motivation for change and is commonly paired with work on addictions or behavioral goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Paula collaborates with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She integrates techniques from these approaches rather than relying on a single method, so the treatment plan can shift as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for scheduling and for maintaining continuity when in-person visits are difficult. These formats make it possible to engage in structured skill work, emotional exploration, and motivational conversations from different settings while fitting around evening and weekend availability.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Paula commonly address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, relationships, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleep problems, parenting challenges, anger, career issues, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach emphasizes an open, nonjudgmental setting where clients can explore thoughts and feelings. Treatment blends practical skills, emotional processing, and collaborative goal-setting.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 25 years of professional experience working with diverse mental health and life concerns.
Where is she licensed and located?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Virginia with license number VA LPC 0701005340 and sees clients in that state.
Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?
Sessions are conducted in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability; sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling a session according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

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

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessHoardingInfidelityLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, 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