At a glance
- Credentials
- LICSW
- License
- LICSW, Washington / LW61381427
- NPI
- 1033503107
- Experience
- 14 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Washington
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Addiction and trauma
- Strengths-based approach
- Practical skills
About Shad
Shad St. Paul is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who focuses on helping people move past addiction, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, and depression. He creates a calm, respectful space where people can speak honestly and work toward practical change. Sessions aim to meet each person where they are and build on their strengths.
Shad brings 14 years of clinical experience in Washington to his practice. He uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change and combines that with client-centered care and cognitive behavioral techniques to tackle unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He also draws on dialectical behavior ideas and narrative therapy when they fit a person’s goals.
People come to him for a range of concerns including substance use, codependency, communication problems, family stress, and obsessive behaviors. He also addresses issues like guilt, shame, forgiveness, jealousy, life purpose, phobias, and disruptive mood concerns. Sessions focus on clear goals and step-by-step strategies that can be applied between meetings.
Shad describes his approach as collaborative and strength-based. He listens carefully, reflects what he hears, and helps people try small experiments that build confidence. Progress is measured in real-life changes rather than labels.
Work with Shad typically centers on practical tools and steady support. He offers straightforward guidance, helps people set realistic goals, and adjusts plans as needs shift. The aim is lasting change that fits everyday life.
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How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change by using open questions and reflective listening. It is useful for addiction, ambivalence about change, and building commitment to new behaviors.
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding a person’s experience without judgment. The therapist listens deeply and follows the person’s priorities, which helps when someone needs respect, validation, and space to make decisions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical tools to shift patterns. It can help with depression, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and managing strong emotions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shad collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. He often blends approaches so sessions address motivation, emotional skills, and concrete behavior change together.
Confirm the specific online session options before booking since formats are set by the therapist. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments around work or childcare, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some approaches translate well to remote sessions because they focus on conversation and homework, while others may include skills coaching or structured exercises adapted for virtual meetings. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
CodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameJealousyLife purposeObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPhobiasTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyExperience
14+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Shad commonly address?
He works with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem struggles, and depression. He also helps with codependency, communication problems, OCD and related issues.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Shad uses a collaborative, client-centered style with clear goals. He focuses on building motivation and practical skills during sessions.
How much experience does he have?
He has 14 years of experience providing therapy and substance use support in Washington. That background informs his approach to addiction and mood concerns.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, listed as WA LICSW, and practices in Washington state.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and scheduling work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the match and location.
How do I start a therapy match?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers