Paula Lisa Bardales, LCSW

Hey there,

I’m Paula — As a mom, wife, dog mama, friend, and daughter, I believe unconditional support is the steady foundation that leads to growth and healing, especially during life's challenging seasons.

As a psychotherapist, with over 12 years of experience, I specialize in supporting women and their partners through life transitions. Whether you are navigating pregnancy, postpartum, parenthood, or perimenopause, my mission is to be the therapist in your corner. Life's challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate them alone. I'm here to walk alongside you through life's transitions with support, compassion, and care.

My Approach:

In our work together, you’ll have a safe space to reflect, build resilience, discover strengths, and gain tools for meaningful growth to move forward with confidence, serenity, and greater well-being. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, and grounded in empathy. Together, we cultivate insight, confidence, and meaningful growth, so that even in uncertain times, you feel seen, supported, grounded, and empowered.

Beyond Therapy:

I also provide supervision to therapists working toward independent licensure as an extension of my belief that solid, secure, and unconditional support can be transformative—fostering growth, confidence, and healing.

Licenses & Certifications

NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker: License#44SC06428400

NY Licensed Clinical Social Worker: License#092557

Certified Clinical Supervisor: in New Jersey & New York for provisionally licensed clinicians [LSW, LAC, & MFT]

Professional Trainings:

  • PSI - Perinatal Mood Disorders

    • Components of Care [level 1]

    • Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy [level 2]

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Levels 1 & 2

  • Gottman Method — Level 3: Betrayals & Affairs

Education: Stony Brook University

  • Master of Social Welfare (MSW)

  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, with a concentration in Public Health

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a Women Studies minor