Serving clients throughout North Carolina, including Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, and Wilmington
About
Hi, I'm Paula.
Fellow human. Artist. Lifelong learner.
I have been studying grief and death for most of my adult life. I personally know how challenging this work can be and how helpful it is to have a guide along the path.
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My journey as an art therapist began to take shape when I used art to process the death of my father as a young adult. After he died, I switched my college major to fine art. There I was able to engage the process of healing by exploring my grief through art making. Only after I completed my BFA did I discover the field of art therapy.
As a practicing therapist since 2014, I have worked with various people including veterans, those in hospice, and those recovering from addiction. I've seen how empowering guidance can be when facing the shadowed paths in life. I would be honored to share those experiences with you, too.
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Outside of therapy, I love creating art, listening to music, writing, gardening, engaging in mindfulness practices, playing outside, and collecting things of all sorts (e.g., bugs, bones, books, and quirky antiques). There are so many facets to being human, and I would love to get to know yours.
Areas of Specialty
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Grief
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Anxiety
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Trauma and PTSD
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Addiction and substance use
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LGBTQIA+
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Consensual non-monogamy and polyamory
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Depression
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General life stress
My primary focus is supporting people who've experienced death of a loved one. I also focus specifically on suicide loss. To read more about this, please visit my Grief Therapy and Suicide Loss pages.
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I also work with creative people who've hit blocks in their life, relationships, or work. This could be due to an acute issue after a major life event. Or this could be the slow burn of stress, self-doubt, perfectionism, or developing bad habits.
I work individually with adults (age 18+). I offer online sessions for anyone in North Carolina and in-person sessions for those around Asheville, NC.
My Approach: Art Therapy
Rates and Insurance
I offer art therapy sessions at a rate of $165-185 per 50-minute session and $200-220 for the first session.
I am in-network (INN) with the Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VACCN). If you are a veteran, please reach out to discuss the process. I am also INN with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum/United Healthcare, and Aetna.
I am considered out-of-network (OON) with many other insurance carriers, and I can provide a superbill to you if you would like to seek OON reimbursement.
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For those who are in need of financial assistance, I work through Open Path Psychotherapy Collective.
Please contact me to discuss any financial questions.
Professional Credentials and Education
Paula Ulrich, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, ATR-BC (she/her)
Credentials:
Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) (#17-185)
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) (#13930)
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) (#24779)
Education:
Master of Arts (MA): Transpersonal Counseling Psychology: Art Therapy,
Naropa University (2014)
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Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Studio Art: Printmaking,
Metropolitan State University of Denver (2010)
My work is based on Art Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, weaving in nature-based experiences. I have training in mindfulness meditation, gestalt therapy, EMDR, and other trauma treatments.
"Paula is an exceptionally gifted therapist. She is creative in the way she works with clients - weaving in both art therapy and nature based interventions to provide out-of-the-box therapy."
"Paula is an extraordinary clinician with a rare combination of brains and heart. She has a unique skill set and a deep understanding of creative process and art therapy. I refer to her with complete confidence."
"Paula is an excellent therapist. She is authentic, smart and compassionate. I highly recommend her!"