Victoria De Paula, LCSW

Victoria De Paula, LCSW therapist in New York City, specializing in anxiety, trauma and relationships.

My Approach to Therapy

I believe that growth and healing happens when we work with our emotions, rather than against them. If you feel unable to control your emotions, shake anxious thoughts, or improve your relationship, this is the place for you. My therapy ethos is connected change: clients make change within the safety of a connected therapeutic relationship.

I show up as a therapist the same way as I do in my personal life—with intellectual curiosity, emotional attunement, and intentionality. Clients describe me as both compassionate and direct, and our work goes beyond talking. Whether you see me for trauma treatment, anxiety therapy, or couples therapy, we work on meaningful change in every single session.

Outside the Office

I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States with my family as a child. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in finance at a large New York asset manager. While I appreciated aspects of that work, my passion has always centered on human psychology, emotions, and relationships. That pull ultimately led me to transition into the field of psychotherapy.

I identify as LGBTQ+ and have a special passion for working with queer clients.

Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my family, exploring the city with my dog, testing recipes from my many cookbooks, and hosting my monthly book club.

Training & Education

    • Dartmouth College, Bachelor of Arts in Government and Psychology

    • New York University, Master of Social Work

    • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) (Certified)

    • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 & 2

    • Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (EMDRIA Approved Therapist)

    • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    • Attachment-Focused EMDR with Dr. Laurell Parnell

  • Licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey.

    • OCD

    • Anxiety

    • Perfectionism

    • Depression

    • PTSD & Complex Trauma

    • Life Transitions

    • Grief & Loss

    • Self Esteem

    • Body Image

    • Stress Management

    • Parenting

    • Personality Disorders

  • Before returning to graduate school to become a therapist, I had a first career working in finance in New York City.

Madison Warren, LMSW

My Approach to Therapy

Many of my clients come in having already done significant work on themselves. Maybe you've read the books, reflected on your patterns and where they came from, or even done a previous round of therapy, and something still isn't quite right. Thinking your way through the problem hasn't been enough to make it go away, whether you're struggling with something specific and painful or life looks good on paper and you can't shake the feeling that something is missing. My approach is grounded in the belief that lasting change happens through emotional experience, not just insight. I work with individuals and couples, bringing an attachment-based and experiential approach to the work and adapting to what each client needs.

In session, I'm warm and direct. I pay close attention to the gap between what's being said and what's actually being felt. Whether I'm working with an individual or a couple, I ask questions and name what I notice, challenging you when it serves your goals. I'm particularly comfortable with clients who live in their heads, and part of our work is helping that analytical clarity deepen the emotional work rather than replace it. I follow your lead on pace and depth and prioritize the relationship between us as the foundation for everything else. I believe therapy works best when insight and emotional depth are paired with practices you can bring into your daily life. The goal is change that extends beyond our hour together.

Training & Education

    • Dartmouth College, Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mandarin Chinese

    • New York University, Silver School of Social Work, Master of Social Work

    • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

    • Psychodynamic Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Licensed to practice in New York.

    • Anxiety

    • Perfectionism

    • Depression

    • Relationship Distress

    • Life Transitions

    • Grief & Loss

    • Self Esteem

    • Stress and Burnout

  • Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly a decade working in finance in New York City and London, across investment banking and private equity. This background means I understand what high-stakes environments demand, and the ways they can make it harder to slow down and ask for help.