Let me tell you more about myself. I’m Paula, currently the sole therapist at Deep Waters. I’ve been working in the field of mental health since 2002, as a licensed social worker since 2008, and in private practice since 2015. I moved to Vermont from New Jersey in 2021 with my spouse and our two sons. We also have two adopted chihuahuas.

Formerly Joyful Beginnings Counseling, I decided to change my name to Deep Waters in 2026 for a few reasons. I wanted a name that would reflect (pun intended) the deep healing work that I enjoy doing with my clients. Water has always been very healing for me, and I’m always amazed by its range of calm to raging. It’s power and ability to adapt. The ability to flow. I grew up visiting the Jersey Shore: swimming in the ocean, walking along the coast, and journaling or reading on the beach with the sound of the waves as my soundtrack.

I also wanted to create a name to honor my dear friend and mentor, MaryAnne Giello, who passed away in October of 2025. She was affectionately called “Mare” by her loved ones, meaning sea in Italian. I am so much of who I am today because of her amazing spirit, wisdom, generosity, and support.

Check out more of my background…

    • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

    • PTSD + Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

    • Sexual Assault, Abuse, & Incest

    • Perinatal/Postpartum Support

    • Adult Children of Alcoholics & Narcissistic Parents

    • Neurodivergent Adults

    • Health & Safety for Women + the Queer Community

    • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Level II - 2014

    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy - 2012

    • 40 Hour Sexual Assault Training with SERV - 2008

    • 40 Hour Domestic Violence Trainings with Camden County Women’s Center - 2009

    • Masters degree in social work from Rutgers University School of Social Work (MSW) - 2008

    • Bachelors degree in social work from Rutgers University – Camden (BSW) - 2007

    • Self-employed, currently virtual and licensed in VT and NJ (October 2015 – present)

    • Psychotherapist at Meridian Counseling Services (August 2012 – September 2015)

    • Senior Primary Therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health Services, Women’s Trauma PHP & IOP programs (May 2010 – July 2012)

    • Psychotherapist for the Camden County Women’s Center, Outreach & Shelter (September 2008 – April 2010)

    • Co-facilitator of Sexual Abuse & Domestic Violence Psycho-education & Process Group at Cooper House (February – September 2008)

    • MSW Intern at The Starting Point (May 2007 – May 2008)

    • BSW Intern at The Camden County Women’s Center, Outreach (September 2006 – May 2007)

    • Mental Health Associate at Hampton Behavioral Health (April 2005 – March 2008)

    • Mentor at The Burlington County Youth Advocate Program (September 2003 – June 2004)

    • Student Program Assistant at Montclair State University Women’s Center (September 2002 – May 2003)