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- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- Art therapy techniques
About Joan
Joan French, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 17 years of practice. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, grief, sleep problems, career issues, and coping with life changes. Joan describes her approach as trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from several therapy methods and using creativity and occasional humor in sessions.
Joan aims to help people who feel unheard, isolated, or hopeless. She emphasizes building trust so clients can talk about painful or difficult topics. She says those often-suppressed issues are the ones that need saying. She notes that finding a counselor is a courageous step toward change.
Her background includes a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Governors State University and an Art Therapy Certificate from Northwestern University. Joan reports over 17 years working as a therapeutic counselor and describes herself as resourceful, creative, and patient. She combines life experience with clinical skill in her work.
Joan commonly uses methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques and dialectical behavior strategies alongside acceptance and commitment ideas and emotion-focused practices. She also incorporates positive communication skill building, anger management, and art therapy techniques when helpful. Humor may be used at times to ease tension.
She notes that she works with individual adult clients age 18 and older. Joan welcomes people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and those who are exploring gender and identity questions. People should confirm current session options before booking.
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How Joan’s approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions toward a meaningful life, which can help with anxiety, depression, and life changes.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. Sessions often include practical exercises and skill practice to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and change unhelpful patterns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides specific skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. It is useful for emotion regulation, relationship patterns, and coping under stress.
Joan treats finding the right approach as a collaborative process. She will help identify which methods fit the client’s goals and preferences and adjust techniques as needed over time.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the available online options before booking. Many clients find remote sessions can fit into work breaks, reduce travel time, and make it easier to keep regular appointments. Practical benefits include shorter check-ins on busy days, options that do not require being on camera, and carrying tools learned in sessions into everyday life.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
Joan works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, grief, sleep problems, career concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style?
She describes a trauma-informed, integrative approach that mixes practical techniques with creative methods and occasional humor.
How much experience does she have?
She has 17 years of experience as a therapeutic counselor.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the LCPC credential and is licensed in Illinois.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified here; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin 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, call 911, or call or text 988.