Dr. Kristen PavelaLCSW

Dr. Kristen Pavela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Wisconsin. She holds a doctorate in social work and brings about 10 years of clinical experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and related concerns.

She has worked with a wide range of issues including depression, relationship and parenting challenges, anger, domestic violence, grief, and problems with sleep or eating. Her practice also includes help for people dealing with attachment or abandonment concerns, caregiver strain, codependency, and substance use. Pregnancy and childbirth concerns are listed among her areas of focus.

Her style is described as warm and interactive. Sessions tend to be respectful and nonjudgmental, with conversations shaped to match what the person needs that day. She avoids stigmatizing labels and emphasizes compassionate listening.

Dr. Pavela draws on several approaches to guide care. She uses client-centered methods that follow the person's lead, cognitive behavioral techniques to address thinking and behavior patterns, motivational interviewing to support change, and psychodynamic ideas to look at deeper patterns. Treatment plans are adapted to each person's goals and circumstances.

People who want a practical and supportive space to work through life transitions, addiction concerns, relationship questions, or trauma may find her approach helpful. She aims to empower people as they take steps toward change and a more satisfying life.

How her approaches guide online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person's priorities, helping people feel heard and steering sessions toward what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and offers practical exercises to reduce anxiety, depression, or habits that get in the way. Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change and builds on existing strengths to move forward.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Dr. Pavela will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences rather than applying a single plan. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions as progress is made.

Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the profile. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and offer flexible scheduling around work or caregiving. Ask about the available session formats when you complete the matching questionnaire so arrangements can fit your routine.