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Beatrice Paksa

MSSW Graduate Student 

University of Texas at Austin

Beatrice Headshot_edited.jpg

Hi, I'm Beatrice!

I am currently in my final semester of the clinical MSSW program at the University of Texas at Austin and am excited to join Grace Therapy & Wellness as a therapist intern under the supervision of Caroline Shepherd, LCSW. I am originally from Finland and Germany but moved to Austin in 2019 to get my bachelor’s degree in psychology and fell in love with the city!

 

I am passionate about supporting adults, college students, and teens as they navigate life’s complex challenges. With my previous experiences in crisis management, motivational interviewing, and substance use assessment, I've developed an understanding of the unique pressures faced by young adults, especially in academic settings. My areas of interest extend to anxiety, depression, life transitions, eating disorders, and managing stress and burnout.

 

What sets my approach apart is a deep commitment to a compassionate and strengths-based framework. Recognizing the unique narrative of each individual, I disagree with the idea of a one-size-fits-all solution in therapy. Instead, I believe in creating a therapeutic alliance where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. Our sessions are a collaborative journey, where we work together to explore and discover what strategies and approaches resonate best with your specific needs.

How I Help

Drawing from a diverse therapeutic toolkit, I am certified in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR). My approach is integrative, blending elements of my theoretical knowledge in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Positive Psychology, all through a lens of mindfulness and self-compassion. As a therapist intern, my goal is not just to address immediate concerns but to empower you with skills and insights that foster resilience and personal growth.

 

In our work together, you can expect an empathetic ear, a respectful and non-judgmental space, and a commitment to walking alongside you as you discover and harness your strengths. Whether you are dealing with transitional life events, seeking ways to manage mental health challenges, or simply striving for personal development, I am here to support you on this journey!

Specialty Areas

Anxiety and Depression

Eating Disorders & Body Image

Interpersonal Relationships

Life Transitions

Mindfulness & Self Compassion

Multicultural Issues

Stress & Burnout

Suicidality & Self Harm

Substance Use

Trauma

Women’s Issues

Theoretical Background

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Trauma Informed
Strengths Based
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Based

Education

BA, The University of Texas at Austin

MSSW, The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)

More About Beatrice

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watercolor painting, learning to play new instruments and cooking/baking for my family. My love for languages and different cultures constantly inspires me to embrace and learn from diverse life experiences, which is why I also love traveling around the world and exploring the diverse culinary scene Austin has to offer!

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