It’s natural to feel nervous or uncertain when beginning counseling. My hope is that these feelings won’t stand in the way of your growth, and I’m here to support and guide you toward the goals you want to achieve.
About Therapist Paula Chung
Hello! My name is Paula, and I’m excited to be part of the team at Montgomery County Counseling Center. In my work with clients, I take a holistic approach that integrates both skill-building and self-exploration aimed towards lasting change.
I’ve loved working with youth since my camp counselor days. I later joined Identity, Inc. as a mentor and group facilitator through the WMHS Wellness Center. There I supported underserved youth in navigating barriers to success, many of them Spanish-speaking. Inspired by their resilience, I pursued training in mental health counseling, and now especially enjoy working with adolescents (13+) as they navigate the unique challenges of this stage of life.
Becoming a mom expanded my perspective immensely as I started to view the youth I had been working with through the lens of a parent. This shift deepened my empathy towards moms and dads, as I gained insight into the emotional connection parents have with their children.
I’m fascinated by the interplay between our brain, body, and emotions, and I view therapy as a collaborative process of exploring these connections to foster greater self-understanding, confidence, and peace. My goal is to empower clients to not only manage their difficulties but also build a more resilient and adaptive mindset, fostering long-term growth and well-being.
Education and Experience as a Therapist
My internship at Montgomery County Counseling Center was a pivotal milestone in my academic journey toward earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. I graduated in August 2024, after completing my practicum and two semesters of internship at MCCC.
My experience co-facilitating DBT skills groups at MCCC equipped me to teach clients practical tools and strategies to manage immediate challenges, such as mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has empowered me to help clients shift deeply ingrained patterns of beliefs about self, whether these beliefs became stuck as a result of trauma or otherwise. EMDR’s integrative approach, which takes both mind and body into account, resonates deeply with me. In this way, it helps clients bridge the gap between what they know intellectually and what they feel in their bodies to be true, creating lasting healing by addressing both cognitive and somatic experiences.
Therapy Services and Expertise
Types of Therapy Provided:
Areas of Focus
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Parenting Support
- Stepping into Motherhood (postpartum & onward)
- Relationship Concerns
- Trauma
What Clients Say About Working With Paula
It was very nice to be able to articulate my feelings to someone who listened well and offered questions rather than criticism. Her kindness and compassion was always apparent.
Paula is an amazing therapist. She has an ability to truly listen and give advice and has taught me that I matter as a person.
Get to Know Paula Chung
Beyond the Therapy Room
My husband and I have four young kiddos, so life is quite exciting in all the simplest ways. I “retired” when my oldest was born, and now I spend a lot of time cutting cucumbers, getting support from other moms at the playground, and tripping over toys on the living room floor.
I love being with my family and consider myself a bit of a homebody. A perfect day for me would include reading and journaling by the creek near our home, then getting out to play flag football. After an overtime victory, I’d come back, eat pizza, and bake cookies with my favorite sous-chefs (my kids!). Finally, I would shoo everyone out of the kitchen and make soap. Here’s a look at some soaps I’ve made!
Contact Paula Chung
Email: paula@mccounselingcenter.com