PAULA SISTARE

Maine and Vermont Licensed Counselor
and Wellness Coach

I find that making connections drives so much of how I live and work. We are relational creatures. Building strong and nourishing relationships whether it be to ourselves, our partners, our children or our community keeps us healthy and provides us with support when we need it. 

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I rely on my extensive training in grounded and dynamic approaches to therapy. Whether working with couples or individuals, I draw on a strong intuitive sense and an innate belief in my clients’ ability to heal, change and grow.

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My training includes EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique, Narrative Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Focusing, Internal Family Systems and other mindfulness-based, body-oriented, brain-informed approaches to transforming old patterns and helping people come home to the best in themselves.

With a background in mindfulness, yoga and holistic healing, I have a special interest in using whole body approaches to wellness for those who have experienced trauma and chronic illness. 

As a couples therapist, I am deeply influenced by Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and its gentle, yet effective, process for helping couples resolve underlying issues to create more secure and nourishing relationships. 

I am also engaged in advanced professional studies in topics around sex and intimacy. I have a special interest in looking at how it's impacted for folks dealing with issues like chronic health problems, recovery, and phase of life challenges (divorce, childbirth, menopause).

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Ultimately, my work is informed by my own experiences – raising a family, parenting adult children, living in community, facing illness, and navigating the waves of relationship to self and others. When I'm not walking in the woods with my dog, Luna, cross country skiing, dancing or swimming, I enjoy discovering new places in the Vermont area and finding new mediums for creating a life filled with art and craft. 

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