JoAnna Shapiro
Hi, my name is JoAnna. I know how heavy life can feel sometimes, and I want you to know you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m a licensed therapist with 18 years of experience helping people move beyond survival mode and into lives that feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilling. I work with clients navigating anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, trauma, self-doubt, and professional stress—including healthcare professionals who feel burned out. My style is compassionate, collaborative, and down-to-earth, and I draw from evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Therapy with me is a space to breathe, heal, and grow. Together, we’ll uncover what’s been holding you back and build tools for lasting change—so you can step into a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
First session
The first session is about creating a safe, supportive space where you can begin to share your story. I’ll invite you to talk about what’s been weighing on you, what challenges you’ve been facing, and what you hope to get out of our work together. There’s no pressure to cover everything all at once—this is your time, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’ll also ask some gentle questions to better understand your background, your strengths, and your goals for therapy. Together, we’ll begin to outline a direction for our work—whether that’s finding more balance, building healthier patterns, strengthening relationships, or simply feeling more grounded day to day.
Strengths
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe real healing happens when you feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Together, we’ll build practical tools that help you move beyond survival mode and step into a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and fulfilling.
Ideal clients
My clients are often people who feel like they’ve been holding it all together on the outside, while inside they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. This can look different at different ages—teens navigating pressures and identity, adults balancing work and family stress, or older adults facing life transitions. Many come to me feeling weighed down by self-doubt, anxiety, or patterns that no longer serve them. But all share a desire for relief, connection, and a more authentic, fulfilling life, and I am committed to helping them find it.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors. By changing negative thought patterns, clients can enhance their emotional well-being and change their behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT helps clients manage intense emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. There are four components of DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Polyvagal Therapy
Use Polyvagal therapy to help clients understand how their autonomic nervous system operates and to recognize the physiological responses to stress. Provide the client with a therapeutic alliance to feel safe and understood, utilize techniques like mindful breathing, grounding techniques, deep breathing, sharing their stories, recognize emotional stages, practice mindfulness and compassion,
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- ArizonaLicense LPC-10390
- WashingtonLicense MHC.LH.61634594