Pauleena Akers , LCSW, CSW

Pauleena Akers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who helps people facing anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and life transitions. She focuses on women's issues and common concerns like self-esteem, intimacy-related problems, sleep troubles, and career stress. Pauleena writes plainly and works with practical goals so sessions stay focused and useful.

She uses a mix of approaches to meet each person where they are. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Client-Centered Therapy keeps the conversation focused on the person's priorities and values. Mindfulness skills and motivational interviewing are added when helpful to build awareness and sustain change.

Pauleena completed a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2014 and later earned a Master of Social Work from Valdosta State University in 2018. She began professional licensure in 2022 and holds LCSW and CSW credentials in Georgia. Her background includes work in inpatient and outpatient settings and time supporting at-risk newborns, older adults, and adults with substance-related concerns.

In sessions she asks clear questions, offers alternative perspectives, and sets concrete goals together with each client. She can help people work on anger management, compassion fatigue, postpartum depression, ADHD-related challenges, and blended family concerns. Sessions mix skill-building, problem solving, and reflective conversation.

Outside of work Pauleena is married and has two elementary-aged daughters. She enjoys traveling, reading, time outdoors, and good food.

Approaches and how they work online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person's goals and values and lets the conversation follow what matters most to them. This approach works well for exploring women's issues, self-esteem, and life purpose in a way that feels personal and respectful.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. In online sessions CBT translates into homework between meetings, structured conversations, and clear steps to try in everyday life.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple awareness and grounding skills to reduce stress and manage strong emotions. These practices can be used during brief text check-ins or reviewed in greater depth during video sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Pauleena will collaborate with clients to choose methods that match goals, needs, and personal preferences. She adjusts plans over time based on what helps most and invites feedback throughout the process.

Online formats offer practical benefits. Video calls let people use face-to-face conversation for deeper exploration and role-play. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief updates, coping skills practice, or when writing feels more comfortable than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while using the approaches above.