Shad St. Paul , LICSW

Shad St. Paul is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) practicing in Washington. He creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where people can openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. He aims to walk alongside individuals as they pursue healing, growth, and greater emotional well-being, offering steady support and practical guidance throughout the process.

With focused training in both mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment, he integrates clinical knowledge with real-world strategies to help people address anxiety, life transitions, addiction, and related concerns. His work is tailored to each person’s needs, drawing on evidence-informed methods to support meaningful, sustainable change.

Shad’s approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and holistic, honoring each person’s values, culture, and individual resources. LICSW stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, a credential that authorizes independent clinical practice. SUDP indicates specialized training in treating substance use disorders. He views therapy as a transformative opportunity and considers it a privilege to accompany people as they build resilience, discover purpose, and pursue a more hopeful future.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Shad commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in his work. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes understanding each person’s experience from their perspective and fostering a trusting, empathetic therapeutic relationship - it is helpful for building self-esteem and exploring life direction. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and problems related to substance use. DBT combines skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness and can be especially useful for intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shad works collaboratively with people to determine which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences. He adapts interventions over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into a busy life or to attend from different locations. For many people, working with licensed professionals online improves access to consistent care and allows them to use approaches like CBT and DBT in ways that fit daily routines.