Hi! I’m paula
Paula Passanisi, LCSW(TX), LICSW(MA)
Many clients come to me when they're facing significant challenges, whether from trauma, loss, or the upheaval of life transitions.
During these challenging times, loved ones may struggle to understand, leaving us feeling real disconnected – from ourselves, our surroundings, and the very fabric of our lives. This isolation can be deeply painful. But you don't have to navigate it alone.
As an intersectional-feminist, mindfulness practitioner, and trauma specialist, my work integrates layers of awareness, cultural responsiveness, and trauma therapy. I utilize Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Self-Compassion, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Psychedelic-Assisted therapy in my work with individuals to support them to free themselves and cultivate a life they wish to lead.
I have a particular passion for working with survivors of trauma and breaking the cycle of abuse. I am also well versed in and absolutely love working with the LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities.
What I love about holding hope for survivors is nurturing the initial steps of change.
You might be wondering if I can handle your story. Let me assure you, I'm not easily shaken. I'm a trauma survivor, too. I understand the shame, the disempowerment, the crushing loneliness, the helplessness, the sheer overwhelm. I've walked that path, and I've faced my own intense life transitions. I don't give up on hope, because I know what's possible.
I made it through to the other side, reclaiming my power and finding my light. Now, my purpose is to guide others in empowerment and discovering their own inner light.
Being a psychotherapist for trauma survivors is my commitment to social justice, as healing individuals creates a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.
When we embrace authenticity, cultivate self-love, and heal from our pain, we unlock the ability to lead with love, not hate. And isn't that precisely what our world needs right now?
Through my journey, I've discovered a fundamental truth: we are all remarkably resilient. It's not just my story; it's the human story. We possess an innate capacity to survive. And yet, our experiences and responses are deeply personal and varied. This is a core principle I share with my clients.
And so, we return to the here and now, with you.
I'm not here to fix you, save you, or impose my perspective. I'm here to be fully present with you, facilitating your journey to connect with your authentic self and make sense of your experiences.
Because your answers reside within you.
That's where your light is. And I can help you find it.
Professional Background
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas (LCSW TX #64672) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts (LICSW #127793). I have had my own private practice for the past 8 years. Prior that that, my 6+ years of experience working in community health in San Francisco, Boston, and Austin have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to integrate anti-racism and gender-affirming care into my clinical practice.
As Featured In
Education + Trainings
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Theory & Methodology Training
Fluence
Woodstock, NY
100 HR Kundalini Yoga Teacher Certification
50 HR Silent Meditation Training
Rishikesh, India
Mindful Self-Compassion Facilitator Course
Kristen Neff/Center For Self-Compassion
Austin, TX
200 HR Yoga Teacher Certificaton
Ana Forrest @ Yoga Tree
San Francisco, CA
Masters of Social Work
Smith College School for Social Work
Northampton, MA
Bachelors of Sociology
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Amherst, MA
