Paula Ramirez, LCSW
Heart-centered, embodied therapy in Austin, TX
About Paula
I became a therapist because I believe deeply in our capacity to heal and to rewrite the stories that have been shaped by trauma, rupture, and oppressive systems. I bring my whole self to this work: my experiences as a queer person, as an immigrant, and as a native Spanish speaker who understands the importance of language and culture in healing.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. My clinical training took place at the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center, where I completed both an internship and a two-year fellowship following graduation. During my time there I worked on interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on supporting folks experiencing eating disorders and supporting survivors of interpersonal violence. I still love working with young adults, helping them explore who they are, what they value, and how to care for themselves in a world that often asks them to do everything but slow down and listen inward.
Outside of session you can find me curled up with a good book, gabbing with loved ones, debating as a professional sport, jumping into bodies of water, snuggling up with my pets and practicing choosing rest over rush.
My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that healing happens:
In the body.
I prioritize embodiment in my work, drawing on my background in trauma-informed yoga and somatic practices while honoring your individual pace. My goal is to reconnect you with the wisdom you’ve always held but that may have been buried under the weight of trauma and shame. Together, we’ll find the way back to the parts of you that were always whole and always capable of healing.
In relationship.
I understand from personal experience that the journey to healing often begins with being fully seen in our pain and joy. I believe that healing is not a solitary process but one rooted in connection. Relational safety is at the heart of my work. I aim to create a space where you can experience connection as your authentic self.
A note on my values…
My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and connection. I approach therapy with the understanding that healing is not just about the individual, but about our collective liberation and aim to root my practice in anti-oppressive frameworks.
My Approach
We may be a good fit if…
Immigration is a core part of your story—whether it’s your journey or the story carried by your family. Living within multiple cultures is often a dance of navigating the tension between preserving your own sense of self and honoring the ties that have shaped you, all while carving out space for healing and growth.
You are a survivor. Whether you are navigating the aftermath of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, racial trauma, complex trauma, or any form of harm, I’m here to walk beside you. Together, we will make space to unravel the impact of these experiences, tending to the parts that are hurting as we find a soft place for you to land.
You are experiencing body image concerns or an eating disorder. We will explore what these behaviors are trying to communicate, and together, we’ll create space for healing, understanding, and new possibilities for how you can care for yourself.
You are part of the queer community. My queer identity is central to my understanding of the world, and I bring a queer and feminist perspective to my practice.