Paulina Birgiolaite (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LCSW, CMNCS
Online in Illinois
(Online Only)
Does setting boundaries feel uncomfortable or even unsafe? Do you find yourself overthinking, people-pleasing, or striving for perfection while quietly feeling exhausted? I specialize in helping women and helping professionals break free from burnout and reclaim their time, energy, and sense of self. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and REBT, I offer a supportive space where real, practical change happens. If you’re ready for therapy that actually helps you move forward, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Women clients.
Languages: English, Lithuanian
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Helps clients challenge and replace irrational beliefs. It is an action-oriented approach for lasting change.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: My approach to therapy is active, collaborative, and refreshingly real. I draw from evidence-based therapies like REBT, CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused approaches, but I don’t believe in cookie-cutter therapy or just nodding along while you vent week after week.
We’ll get into the patterns that are actually keeping you stuck—like overthinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism—and work on changing them in practical, doable ways. That might look like challenging unhelpful thoughts (CBT/REBT), learning how to respond differently to anxiety instead of getting pulled into it (ACT), and focusing on small, meaningful shifts that build real momentum (Solution-Focused).
Just as important is the relationship we build. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable enough to be honest, messy, and fully yourself. I take a relational approach, meaning I show up as a real person in the room—engaged, attuned, and genuinely invested in your growth.
And yes—there’s room for humor here. Therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy or clinical all the time. Sometimes the most powerful moments come from being able to laugh at the patterns that once felt overwhelming. We can take your growth seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.
You won’t just leave sessions with insight—you’ll leave with tools, clarity, and a different way of approaching your life that actually sticks.
Fees & Insurance
Insurance
- Accepts Insurance
- BlueCross BlueShield IL, BCBSIL PPO, BCBSIL Blue Choice, BCBS
Education & Credentials
Paulina Birgiolaite MSW, LCSW, CMNCS
- Female
- License # 149.022978
- Licensed in Illinois
- Practicing Since 2018
Education: Bachelor of Science - University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Master of Social Work - University of Denver
Paulina Birgiolaite Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: Flexible virtual appointments via HIPAA-compliant Zoom
You don’t have to keep living in a constant state of overthinking, pressure, or emotional exhaustion.
I help women who feel stuck in patterns of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and burnout reconnect with themselves and create more balanced, sustainable lives. Many of my clients feel exhausted from constantly pushing through or prioritizing others, and are ready for a different way of living—one that feels more sustainable and aligned. Therapy is a space where we don’t just talk about what’s wrong—we actively work on changing the patterns that are keeping you stuck.
My approach is grounded in CBT and REBT, focusing on practical tools that help you build confidence, set boundaries, and quiet the internal pressure to “get everything right.” We'll work together to change unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen boundaries, and reduce anxiety in practical, actionable ways.
I take a whole-person view of mental health. Emotional well-being is deeply connected to physical health, and I am actively expanding my work to include principles of functional mental health and nutrition to better support long-term healing.
I offer virtual therapy across Illinois and a free 15-minute consultation if you’re ready to explore working together.