Dr. Susan Trachtenberg Paula

Susan Trachtenberg Paula, Ph.D., Director of Child and Adolescent Program, is a New York State-licensed psychologist. She brings over 30 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to clients of all ages.

Dr. Paula has extensive expertise in treating trauma and PTSD using gold-standard, research-supported methods. She is trained in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for children and adolescents, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), STAIR (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation), and CT-PTSD (Cognitive Therapy for PTSD) for adults. She has led treatment programs for youth, contributed to post-9/11 treatment and support efforts, and trained clinicians through her involvement in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). 

In her family-focused work, Dr. Paula helps couples and parents build stronger, more connected relationships. She is trained in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, and in Collaborative Problem-Solving for managing challenging behavior, and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for helping parents support anxious children. She also offers parent coaching and behavioral strategies for ADHD and other disruptive behavior disorders.

Dr. Paula is also experienced in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for adolescents and adults struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or Borderline Personality Disorder. Her warm, structured approach helps clients build skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Dr. Paula earned her B.A. from the University of Rochester and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Indiana University. She completed her internship at UC Irvine Medical Center and Clinica del Niño. A published author in child trauma, anxiety, and cognitive-behavioral play therapy, she also helped develop the VA’s STAIR online training for PTSD.