Dr. Paula Coutinho | Psychotherapist and Mental Health Professional in BC

Dr. Paula Coutinho is an experienced psychotherapist and mental health professional in BC with over 20 years of clinical expertise in individual therapy, family therapy, clinical supervision, and research. 

As a registered psychotherapist with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), Dr. Coutinho offers online counselling throughout British Columbia, providing comprehensive, evidence-based mental health services from anywhere in the province. 

With a doctoral degree in counselling and psychological studies, Dr. Coutinho specializes in working with diverse communities, including neurodivergent individuals, immigrants, BIPOC populations, LGBTQ2SIA+ persons, and those with developmental and physical disabilities. 

Whether you're seeking therapy for anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, addictions, or life transitions, Dr. Coutinho's inclusive, strength-based approach supports your journey toward healing and growth.

About Dr. Paula Coutinho, Psychotherapist in BC

Paula Coutinho is a mental health clinician, instructor, and researcher with over 20 years of clinical experience in mental health, social services, and educational settings within both the public and private sectors. She provides individual and family therapy and clinical supervision to master's-level graduate students and participates on doctoral dissertation committees, where she serves as either chair or reader. Paula has worked on several research projects, including qualitative dissertations and projects, focusing on critical literature analyses, program development, and evaluations. Her research interests include mental health stigma, eating disorders, addictions, developmental disorders (such as ADHD), technology, mental well-being, and spirituality.

Who Dr. Coutinho Works With

Dr. Coutinho has successfully worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Neurodivergent individuals

• Immigrants and newcomers to Canada

• BIPOC communities

• LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals

• People with developmental and physical disabilities

• Athletes and performers

• Adults, teens, couples, and families

As an equity-seeking ally with lived experience, Dr. Coutinho understands the importance of emotional, physical, and environmental safety as foundations for collaboration and the co-creation of an inclusive therapeutic environment. She approaches her work with enthusiasm, commitment, and a team-focused mindset, working closely with each person to maximize strengths, identify areas for development, and achieve meaningful goals using evidence-based approaches.

Paula has successfully collaborated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including neurodivergent individuals, immigrants, BIPOC communities, LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, and those with developmental and physical disabilities. 

Dr. Coutinho's Approach as a Mental Health Professional

She approaches her work with enthusiasm, a strong commitment, and a team-focused mindset, aiming to support both personal and professional growth. Paula works closely with each individual to maximize their strengths, identify areas for development, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful goals using various evidence-based approaches. 

Psychology Education, Credentials, and Research

Paula earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology while playing tennis in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), receiving an all-star award in 2004. She obtained her master’s degree in counselling psychology from Adler University in Vancouver in 2009 and completed her doctoral degree in counselling and psychological studies from Regent University in 2022. She is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Humanistic Therapy

• Family Systems Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Person-Centred Therapy

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• Somatic Therapy

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Areas of Practice and Specialization

Mental Health Concerns:

• Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders

• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Stress (Work, Academic, General)

• Chronic Illness and Pain Management

• Grief and Bereavement

ADHD and Executive Functioning:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and treatment

• Executive functioning challenges including procrastination, time management, and sleep hygiene

• Performance-related issues: motivation, confidence, concentration, and focus

Eating Disorders and Body Image:

• Eating disorders and disordered eating

• Body image concerns

• Perfectionism

Addictions and Compulsive Behaviours:

• Substance-related addictions (Alcohol Use Disorder, Nicotine/Tobacco Use)

• Behavioural addictions (Gambling Disorder, Internet Gaming Disorder)

• Social media addiction

• Pornography/Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder

Identity and Life Transitions:

• Identity development, sexual orientation, and gender identity

• Life transitions (divorce, career change, immigration)

• Career issues, work stress, and burnout

• Injury and rehabilitation

• Career transitions for athletes and performers

Relationships and Family:

• Couples therapy and relationship challenges

• Family therapy and family systems work

• Communication problems

• Parenting and co-parenting

• Trust or intimacy issues

• Grief, loneliness, and social isolation

• Relationship pressures, bullying, and breakdowns

Self-Worth and Personal Growth:

• Low self-esteem and self-worth

• Guilt or feelings of worthlessness

• Self and identity exploration

Clinical Supervision in BC

Dr. Paula Coutinho provides comprehensive clinical supervision for master's-level graduate students, practicum students, and registered counsellors seeking professional development. As an experienced mental health professional and doctoral-level psychotherapist, Dr. Coutinho offers supervision that integrates clinical skill development, ethical practice, theoretical integration, and therapist well-being.

Clinical Supervision Services Include:

Integrating Theoretical Approaches into Clinical Practice: Dr. Coutinho helps supervisees develop coherent theoretical frameworks that inform their clinical work. Whether you're learning to integrate CBT, DBT, somatic therapy, or family systems approaches, supervision focuses on applying theory meaningfully with real clients while developing your unique therapeutic style.

Ethics and Professional Conduct: Navigate complex ethical dilemmas, understand professional boundaries, manage dual relationships, and develop sound clinical judgment. Dr. Coutinho provides guidance on BCACC ethical standards, informed consent, confidentiality, duty to report, and other critical professional responsibilities.

Self-Reflection and Well-Being for Therapists: Effective therapy requires self-awareness and ongoing attention to your own mental health. Supervision addresses countertransference, burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and maintaining boundaries between your personal and professional life.

Professional Development and Career Guidance: Receive mentorship on building your practice, specializing in clinical areas, pursuing advanced training, navigating the RCC registration process, and developing as a mental health professional throughout your career.

Dr. Coutinho also serves on doctoral dissertation committees as chair or reader, supporting the next generation of psychotherapists and mental health professionals in their research and clinical development. Her supervision is available online throughout British Columbia, making quality clinical mentorship accessible regardless of your location.