Hi! I am Joanie McCollum, a Pa. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, born, raised and working in Philadelphia. I have been in the mental health field for the past 35 yrs and began my journey after starting psychotherapy for myself. I am experienced with children, teens, couples, families, individuals and groups who have struggles with issues of racialized trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, childhood traumas and relational challenges. I am currently most effective and comfortable with working with adults and offer a wealth of knowledge and perspectives to support you with managing in this journey called 'Life'. I look forward to getting to know you better!
Clients will walk away with a comforting sense of knowing they made the right decision to begin therapy with me! They will know they are in a "safe space" to explore and express their thoughts and feelings.
My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to provide information in a down-to-earth fashion and clarify mental health jargon in "plain english" or 'laymen's terms'. I work diligently to simplify how therapy works and how you can work it for your ultimate benefit.
Those who have an open mind and are curious about themselves. They are prepared to do the tough work of looking closer at themselves and ready to address their needs vs the needs of others.
Mindfulness as a practice is the very first step and the reason you are here. To address conflicting thoughts and feelings and manage the emotional upheaval that follows. I provide a ton of basic information about the mind, body and spirit connection and teach "how to" go inside self to find the answers sought for self-growth and change.
Motivation Interviewing for me has always been a natural way of being. It supports actively expressing curiosity about a person's experiences and supports clients becoming curious about themselves in a way that helps locate answers.