I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups. I specialize in helping clients coping with anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I'm licensed in both California and Georgia and hold additional certification as a Certified Grief Informed Professional. My therapeutic approach is to provide client-centered, collaborative treatment planning in order to build therapeutic alliance with clients through collaborative support, encouragement, and validation.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, a client can expect alliance building wherein the client is the pilot and I as clinician serves as the co-pilot, inasmuch as my role is to walk alongside the client in their journey of wholeness and healing. We will review client expectations and goals of therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach is to provide client-centered treatment based upon lived experiences I have gained from a plethora of engagements with various cultures, communities, individuals, and professions. My personal therapeutic outlook is to be present in order to provide clients with an empathetic, safe, and nonjudgmental space to their process thoughts, feelings, and goals.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I primarily work with individuals, adults, BIPOC, Veterans, and elderly populations as well as various spiritual-based backgrounds including interfaith, Christian, and nondenominational faith backgrounds. I prefer clients who are motivated and willing to work on stated goals.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as an intervention and treatment method as an action tool for clients to learn to accept that complications occur in life and to commit to change behaviors.
Attachment-based
I use Attachment-Based therapy to help client process the connection between early childhood attachment experiences with caregivers in order to rebuild current relationships based upon support and trust.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice to help client understand that in order to change negative behavior patterns, individuals must first change their thoughts in order to reduce emotional distress.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate Mindfulness-Based therapy into my practice by teaching tools that focus on the present, reframe negative thought patterns, and stress reduction.
Grief Therapy
I incorporate Grief Therapy techniques to provide a safe space for helping individuals process and cope with loss
4 ratings with written reviews
October 17, 2025
She is like talking to my best friend, I feel I can tell her anything
October 9, 2025
My first appointment with Joan left me feeling heard and understood. I look forward to meeting with her again. I’m confident in her abilities to help me cultivate the tools to help me in my challenges right now.
October 8, 2025
Joan is wonderful. She listens and responds to me in a very authentic and supportive manner. Joan is compassionate and I feel very comfortable being able to share my life experiences with her. I am blessed to have her for my therapist. I look forward to my sessions