Paula Sponaugle, MD, LCSW-C

Paula Sponaugle is a licensed Maryland therapist with 35 years of professional experience helping individuals and families navigate stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, family conflicts, and parenting challenges. She combines a compassionate, respectful approach with clinical know-how to create a supportive environment where clients can address difficult issues and build practical coping skills. Paula holds an MD, which indicates a medical degree, and an LCSW-C, a license for clinical social work, credentials that reflect her broad background in both medical and psychosocial care.

Her practice uses a blend of solution-focused methods, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, and additional therapeutic tools tailored to each person's needs. Paula maintains a relaxed and flexible style so clients can feel at ease while working toward clear, attainable goals. Whether someone seeks short-term strategies for managing anxiety or longer-term support for family and parenting concerns, she adapts her interventions to fit the situation and the individual’s preferences.

Located in Maryland, Paula emphasizes sensitivity and professionalism in every session, guiding clients through evidence-based approaches and practical steps for change while respecting their pace and priorities.

Approaches That Inform Online Therapy with Paula Sponaugle

Paula uses solution-focused therapy to help clients identify practical goals and build on their existing strengths. This approach emphasizes small, achievable steps and works well for clients seeking concrete strategies to manage stress, improve family interactions, or address specific parenting concerns.

She also employs Cognitive Behavioral techniques, which involve exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and practicing skills to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. These techniques are useful for learning new coping skills and changing patterns that contribute to distress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Paula works collaboratively with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and she tailors her recommendations so the plan fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy with Paula is offered through flexible formats - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - allowing clients to choose what works best for their schedule and comfort. These options expand access to consistent care and make it easier to integrate therapy into daily life while working with licensed professionals experienced in evidence-based practices.