Paul Gaines, Jr., M.Ed. LCSW, LPC-S
“Paul is a highly talented clinician. He employs an eclectic mix of therapies to obtain the best results and uses traditional and holistic methods. I would highly recommend booking a session with Paul.” - Danielle T
Meet Paul,
Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist
Paul brings a deep commitment to healing, resilience, and human connection—qualities shaped by over a decade of experience in public service and mental health care. Originally from Newport, Rhode Island, Paul moved to Alaska in 2014 and now calls Anchorage home after relocating from Fairbanks in April 2025.
Paul’s path into psychotherapy was born out of a lifelong dedication to helping others. He began his career as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), serving on the front lines of crisis response for ten years. In 2011, he transitioned from his role as Associate Dean of Students to become a full-time psychotherapist, a change driven by his desire to support people on a deeper, more personal level.
He holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State College, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, where he focused on substance use and mental health challenges in veteran populations. This dual academic foundation reflects his commitment to addressing complex and interwoven issues with skill, empathy, and evidence-based care.
Paul’s therapeutic style is client-centered and collaborative. He draws primarily from Gestalt Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), while also utilizing a range of proven interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). His approach is practical, compassionate, and grounded in years of experience.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, Paul has a passion for developing programs that support both staff and client well-being—recognizing that sustainable, meaningful change requires nurturing the systems that support healing.
Paul now focuses his clinical work on serving veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and active-duty military personnel. His own background in emergency services gives him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by those in high-stress and high-responsibility roles.
If you're seeking a therapist who understands the weight of service, the impact of trauma, and the importance of tailored, evidence-based support—Paul is here to walk alongside you.
On a more personal note, click below to learn more about Paul... My path has never been conventional—shaped by years of pushing mental and physical limits through competitive sport and outdoor exploration, I’ve come to appreciate the discipline, resilience, and mindfulness required not only in overcoming life’s toughest moments, but also in truly thriving beyond them. Before becoming a therapist, I grew up running track and played competitive hockey—sports that taught me how to focus under pressure, work within a team, and push through mental barriers. Later, I embraced more adrenaline-fueled pursuits like skydiving and, more recently, scuba diving in the waters of Hawaii and Thailand. These experiences honed my understanding of how courage and calm coexist and how mental fortitude can be cultivated through both challenge and recovery. When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll likely find me exploring Alaska’s rugged wilderness—camping under the stars, hiking through untamed trails, or photographing the majestic aurora borealis. I also enjoy horse riding, gym training, and the simplicity of good food shared around a campfire. I travel often with my wife Kim, finding connection and renewal in the wild places of the world. These passions are more than pastimes—they’ve taught me that healing and strength are found in balance: between movement and stillness, between solitude and connection, and between discipline and joy. It’s this understanding that shapes my approach to therapy. Whether you’re navigating trauma, seeking clarity, or building resilience, I offer a grounded, empathetic, and action-oriented space to support your journey. My goal is to help you reconnect with your inner strength and move forward with purpose—one step, one breath, one breakthrough at a time.