Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut, LCPC, LPC, LPC-MH

Therapist · South Dakota · 17+ years of experience

Compassionate, practical support for life transitions

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Client-centered approach
CBT and DBT skills
Focus on daily strength

About Paula

Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship strain, depression, and midlife concerns. She uses a straightforward, compassionate style to help people find small daily strengths they can build on. Dr. Paula presents herself as nonjudgmental and practical, aiming to guide people toward clearer choices and more manageable days.

She has 17 years of clinical experience and holds LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH credentials. Her work often blends client-centered conversation with skill-based techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialetical behavior therapy to address emotional and behavioral patterns. Sessions focus on identifying what is getting in the way and trying specific steps to change it.

Dr. Paula also draws on emotionally-focused and existential ideas when those perspectives fit a person's concerns. That means she helps people name feelings, explore what matters most, and make decisions that align with their values. She pays attention to how past attachments and life transitions influence current struggles.

She supports people dealing with addiction, codependency, communication problems, chronic health challenges, adoption and foster care issues, aging concerns, and other listed areas. Her approach aims to be tailored rather than one-size-fits-all, with treatment plans shaped to each person's situation.

People are invited to take gradual steps and practice small habits between sessions. Dr. Paula emphasizes kindness toward oneself during change and focuses on realistic goals that fit everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purpose Men's issues Midlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

17+ years

Credentials

Montana, Washington, South Dakota, Utah

Languages

English

How her approaches shape online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people feel heard and clarify their goals in midlife or other transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by breaking problems into manageable steps.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. These tools can help when emotions feel overwhelming or when relationships are strained.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client work together to decide which methods fit the person’s needs, goals, and daily life. Plans can be adjusted over time as priorities change.

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, cut travel time, and use shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and home practice to the online setting so work continues between meetings.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?

She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, LGBT issues, relationship problems, depression, and midlife concerns, along with a range of related areas listed in her profile.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is warm and practical, blending client-centered listening with skill-building exercises from CBT and DBT to help people change troublesome patterns.

What is her professional background?

She has 17 years of clinical experience and mentions raising a family and grandchildren as part of her life background that informs her perspective.

Which credentials and region are listed?

Credentials shown are LCPC, LPC, and LPC-MH and the listed location is South Dakota.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm the current session options before booking.

How does cost work for therapy with her?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.