Paul Hendley, LMHC

I started my journey to becoming a licensed psychotherapist after pursuing graduate studies in German literature, followed by a decade-long career in public relations and marketing. I realized early on that mentoring and coaching were traits that came naturally to me, whether as a teacher, a team leader, or as a business consultant. I became a licensed psychotherapist in 2013 and started my counseling career working with children and families for in-home therapy. I then transitioned to working with adults and couples in community mental health and private therapy clinics. 

I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, and I believe therapy should be both practical and supportive. I vary my approach to treatment based on your individual needs; after all, your challenges are unique, and so is your story. I start by listening closely to your concerns, exploring what has worked in the past, and providing reflective feedback and strategies to help you improve your situation and outlook. 

My approach to working with clients is based on various trainings. My graduate work focused on rehabilitation counseling, encompassing issues ranging from drug addiction to recovery from strokes and other traumatic brain injuries. I became particularly interested in family therapy when working with children, and understanding family dynamics informs much of my work. I have both training and teaching experience in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which helps clients examine and question internal beliefs that can reinforce negative patterns of behavior. I also have training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a type of treatment that blends acceptance with change-oriented strategies to help clients make more positive behavioral choices and reduce emotional distress. More recently, I pursued training in psychoanalytic theory, which helps uncover and explore internal and deeply-rooted conflicts. I am committed to expanding my therapeutic abilities through ongoing trainings and professional development, and by learning from, and with, my clients. 

Licenses: 

New York – 009931 (LMHC) 

Missouri – 201301418 (LPC)

Education:

MA – Counseling 2012 (Maryville University/St. Louis)

MA – German (Indiana University/Bloomington)

BA – German (Columbia College/New York)

Therapy Experience:

Upper Manhattan Mental Health Center (New York, NY) – 2018 to present 

Center for Wise Mind Living (New York, NY) – 2020-21 

Park Slope Center for Mental Health (New York, NY) – 2016-2018 

Lloyd Psychological Service/Behavioral Associates (New York, NY) – 2017-2018 

Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services (St. Louis, MO) – 2013-2016 

Head Injury Resource Center, Mercy Therapy Services (St. Louis, MO) – 2012 (intern)

Life Crisis Services (St. Louis, MO) – 2011 (intern) 

Trainings and Teaching:

Psychodynamic Approaches in Clinical Practice/Evening Program – National Inst. for the Psychotherapies (2019-20)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaching assistant – Washington University School of Social Work (2015)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy – various trainings and workshops; weekly consultation team (2013-2016; 2020)