Starting therapy can feel intimidating — especially if you’re used to being the strong one, the funny one, the driven one, or the one who “should have it together.” My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to perform, impress, or filter yourself. You can just show up as you are!

My name is Zach Pauley. I’m a graduate of UNO’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program. I’m married, love long-distance running (half marathons are my favorite!), and I’m always up for a cold Dr. Pepper. My clinical background was shaped at UNMC, where I worked with healthcare students and professionals navigating life transitions. Prior to counseling, I gained hands-on experience installing underground irrigation, where I developed a deep respect for grit and consistency.

If you’re struggling with navigating challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, and men’s issues — including concerns around sexual behavior, compulsive patterns, and difficulties with intimacy — my goal is to help you better understand what’s driving these patterns, build practical strategies for change, and move toward a more grounded, values-driven life. Whether you’re dealing with performance anxiety, lack of focus, burnout, or pressure to succeed, I’m here to help you develop mental resilience, sharpen concentration, and build confidence so you can perform at your best — on the field, in the classroom, or in your career!

My approach to counseling is collaborative, honest, and growth-oriented. I draw from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing to help you identify unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and take meaningful action aligned with your values. I also incorporate behavioral strategies and accountability-focused work when addressing habit change, compulsive behaviors, and goal-setting.

For clients who desire it, I thoughtfully integrate Christian faith into the counseling process, incorporating spiritual reflection and values-based work. If faith is not part of your story, that is completely okay — you will be fully respected, and our work will be tailored to what matters most to you.

I believe therapy doesn’t have to feel sterile or overly clinical. Humor can be incredibly healing. Sometimes we’ll sit with hard things, sometimes we’ll laugh. Often, we’ll do both in the same session. I aim to create an environment that feels real, grounded, and collaborative—not stiff or scripted. Above all, I care about helping you move from shame to clarity, from isolation to connection, and from surviving to actually living with purpose. I’m ready to help you become a healthier, freer version of who you already are!