- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma informed methods
- Art therapy elements
About Joan
Joan French is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 17 years of experience. She works with adults 18 and over who are facing anxiety, depression, relationship pain, trauma and abuse, grief, stress, and concerns around identity and family. Joan also lists guilt and shame among her focus areas and supports people dealing with those feelings.
She begins by listening so people feel heard. Joan uses a trauma-informed lens and invites clients to say the hard things. She aims for straightforward conversation, occasional use of humor, and practical steps that fit daily life.
Her sessions draw on several evidence-based methods. Joan uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thoughts and take values-based action. She also brings Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotional regulation and Client-Centered Therapy practices to keep the work relational.
Joan combines clinical work with creative tools. Her background includes an Art Therapy Certificate, and she sometimes integrates art-based techniques and communication skills work when helpful. She also uses positive communication skill building and anger management strategies.
People who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ or who are exploring their gender or identity are welcome. Joan asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so she can learn what matters most and begin planning a practical way forward.
How Joan adapts therapeutic approaches for remote work
Joan uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters to them and take small, values-based actions despite painful thoughts. ACT focuses on noticing thoughts without getting stuck and can help with anxiety, depression, and guilt.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try practical experiments that change behavior. CBT works well for sleep problems, worry, and mood shifts. Client-Centered Therapy is part of her style too, keeping conversations focused on the person and their experience rather than a rigid protocol.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the early work. Joan looks at a person’s goals, symptoms, and preferences and makes collaborative choices about which methods to use. She frames treatment as a shared process rather than one fixed path.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a weekday break, avoid travel time, and use shorter check-ins when life is busy. They also let people try tools and homework between sessions so skills can be practiced in daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Joan focus on?
She works with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, stress, and related concerns such as guilt and shame.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
Joan uses a trauma-informed, conversational approach that helps people name painful feelings and use practical coping skills alongside values-focused work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of experience working as a therapeutic counselor with adults.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an Illinois LCPC, practicing in Illinois.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.