Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut, LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH

Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship concerns, and LGBT-related issues. She writes simply and clearly, asking clients what matters most and focusing on practical steps. Paula is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds an LPC-MH credential. She has 17 years of clinical experience and works from South Dakota.

Paula listens first and then offers straightforward strategies. She uses cognitive behavioral ideas to identify unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes. Her style is warm and nonjudgmental, and she aims to make each session feel focused and doable.

She also draws on client-centered and dialectical behavior therapy methods to help people notice emotions and build coping skills. Emotionally-focused and existential ideas shape conversations about meaning, values, and relationships when those topics come up.

Paula has worked with a wide range of concerns over many years, including adoption and foster care matters, attachment issues, neurodiversity such as autism, chronic illness and pain, and substance use. She helps people break cycles of codependency, address communication and commitment problems, and manage life changes like divorce or aging.

Sessions aim to teach skills you can use between meetings. Paula encourages small daily practices to find positives in each day and to build steady progress. She invites people to take a first step and to schedule a time to talk when they feel ready.

How her approaches are used in online therapy

Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut commonly uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people spot patterns of thought that increase stress and anxiety, then practices small behavior changes to test new ways of coping. She also brings client-centered ideas to sessions, focusing on empathy, active listening, and letting each person set the pace and goals for therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy tools may be used to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills when intense feelings or relationship struggles are present.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Paula collaborates with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, values, and day-to-day reality. She checks in over time and adjusts the plan when something isn’t helping or when new priorities appear.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to offer flexibility. Video works well for longer conversations and skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging are useful for brief check-ins, homework support, or when a shorter touchpoint fits a busy schedule. These options make therapy easier to fit into work, caregiving, or travel routines.