Dr. Kristen Pavela , LCSW

Dr. Kristen Pavela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a doctorate in social work and ten years of experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She is licensed in Wisconsin and has worked as a clinical social worker, psychocounselor, and clinical substance abuse counselor, providing care for individuals facing depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, relationship struggles, parenting concerns, and domestic violence matters.

Her practice emphasizes respectful, sensitive, and compassionate treatment without stigmatizing labels. Dr. Pavela uses a warm and interactive counseling style that centers the individual and draws on multiple evidence-informed methods, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic insights, person-centered care, and a strengths-based orientation. She tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person’s unique needs, preferences, and goals.

Dr. Pavela also addresses related issues such as grief, intimacy difficulties, sleep and eating concerns, caregiver stress, codependency, attachment and abandonment, impulsivity, and substance use. She focuses on empowering clients to build resilience and take practical steps toward more fulfilling everyday life. Those ready to pursue change can expect collaborative support and guidance as they work toward their goals.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with Dr. Pavela

Dr. Kristen Pavela commonly integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy into her online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where the client’s perspective guides the work and helps with issues like relationship struggles, self esteem, and attachment concerns. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep and eating problems, and then practicing practical strategies to change those patterns.

She also uses motivational interviewing to support people who are ambivalent about change, particularly around substance use or other addictive behaviors. That approach helps clients clarify their own reasons for change and build motivation in a collaborative way. The therapist works together with each person to decide which approaches best fit their goals, needs, and preferences so treatment is tailored and adaptive.

Online therapy with Dr. Pavela is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access services from home, coordinate care around work or family, and continue progress between sessions while keeping the focus on practical, goal-oriented support from a licensed professional.