Dr. Kristen Pavela, LCSW

Trauma-informed LCSW for stress and addiction

Client-centered focus
CBT and motivational interviewing
Addiction and trauma experience

About Dr. Kristen Pavela

Dr. Kristen Pavela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor licensed in Wisconsin who also holds a doctorate in social work, a terminal degree that reflects advanced training in clinical practice and research. With over nine years of experience working as a clinical social worker, psychocounselor, and substance abuse counselor, she has supported people facing a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, relationship and family problems, parenting concerns, domestic violence as both victims and perpetrators, anger management, addictions, and the effects of physical or emotional trauma.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She emphasizes clients' strengths and works collaboratively to tailor conversation and treatment plans to each person’s specific needs. Her clinical toolkit integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic insights, and person-centered, strengths-based techniques to address symptoms and underlying patterns alike.

Dr. Pavela approaches change as a courageous, step-by-step process and aims to empower people to pursue a more fulfilling and balanced life. She frames therapy as a partnership that centers the client's goals and preferences while offering practical guidance and emotional support along the way.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuseAnger managementDepression

Also Specializes In

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Dr. Kristen Pavela have?

Dr. Kristen Pavela has 10 years of experience.

Is Dr. Kristen Pavela a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). License details: IL LCSW 149020413, WI LCSW 9369-123.

In which languages does Dr. Kristen Pavela provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Dr. Kristen Pavela located?

She is located in Wisconsin.

How can I work with Dr. Kristen Pavela as my therapist?

You can work with Dr. Kristen Pavela through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Dr. Kristen Pavela work with international clients?

Dr. Kristen Pavela does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dr. Kristen Pavela cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship in which the therapist follows the client's lead, helps clarify personal goals, and supports growth by valuing the client's own perspective - this approach often helps with self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be effective for anxiety, depression, and managing stress. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people resolve ambivalence and build motivation for change, particularly useful for addictions and behavior change.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; Dr. Pavela works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. Therapy is a partnership in which the client's input guides treatment decisions.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging add flexibility to care by making it easier to connect from home or between commitments. These formats support consistent access to licensed professionals and allow therapy to fit more naturally into busy lives, while still enabling meaningful therapeutic work.

Ready to start therapy with Dr. Kristen Pavela?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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