Paul Clark, LICSW, LCSW

Paul Clark is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia. He brings a direct, warm approach and aims to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and career or relationship challenges. He has experience with issues like addiction, anger, self-esteem, and veterans and armed forces concerns. He emphasizes respectful, non-stigmatizing care focused on each person’s needs.

Clark uses a conversational and straightforward counseling style. Sessions focus on practical steps and building on what already works for the person. He draws on a mix of approaches to match the client’s goals rather than applying one fixed method. The goal is collaborative problem-solving and clear planning for change.

He trained at Norfolk State University, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work, and served 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer on active duty. That background informs his perspective while working with practical life changes and transition issues. He has about 10 years of post-degree experience in mental health care.

Therapy may include tools from cognitive behavioral approaches, acceptance-based work, emotionally-focused practices, and client-centered dialogue. He also addresses communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, and self-harm concerns when those arise. Sessions are shaped to fit the person’s priorities and pace.

Paul invites people to collaborate on goals and plans that feel doable. He seeks to empower clients to use their strengths and to move toward the changes they want.

How his approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, and then commit to actions that match personal values. It can help with anxiety, low mood, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and building a respectful therapeutic relationship so the person feels understood and able to explore change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. From there they adapt methods and try practical steps together, checking in and adjusting as needed.

The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow steady follow-up when life is hectic. It also allows flexibility for shorter check-ins or video conversations when that fits someone’s schedule. Licensed professionals, including this therapist, typically adapt exercises and tools so they work well in remote sessions while keeping the focus on real-life changes and goals.