Shad St. Paul, LICSW

Shad St. Paul practices therapy in Washington with a focus on substance use and mental health concerns, offering an empathetic and nonjudgmental space where people can explore their thoughts and feelings. He brings specialized training in both clinical social work and substance use treatment - as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) he is trained and licensed to provide clinical social work services independently, and as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) he holds training specific to treating addiction and recovery.

Shad emphasizes a collaborative, strengths-based approach that honors each person’s values and cultural background while helping them identify practical strategies to manage anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship challenges, and life transitions. He combines evidence-informed techniques with attentive listening to tailor sessions to individual goals, whether the work focuses on managing anger, improving self-esteem, addressing trauma, or navigating family and communication problems.

In sessions, clients are met with respect, empathy, and clear guidance aimed at building resilience and supporting long-term change. Shad aims to walk alongside clients through moments of difficulty and growth, offering steady support and practical tools that align with each person’s priorities and readiness for change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shad St. Paul uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where the client's perspective guides the work; this approach helps people build self-awareness, strengthen self-esteem, and clarify life purpose. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a practical method that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive patterns, and to support recovery from addiction. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to teach concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress - useful for anger, mood dysregulation, and emotional reactivity.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shad works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions occur - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - which can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules or to access care from different locations. These options allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent, regular support while accommodating varied communication styles and practical constraints.