Joan French , LCPC

Joan French is a licensed clinical professional counselor with more than 17 years of experience supporting adults through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, and life transitions. She brings a trauma-informed, integrative approach that blends evidence-based techniques with creative methods such as art therapy to meet people where they are and help them feel heard and connected.

Known for a resourceful, patient, and creative style, she uses a mix of practical strategies drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), along with elements of internal family systems and communication skill building. She also incorporates art-based exercises and anger management tools when those methods suit a client’s needs. Humor is sometimes woven into sessions when appropriate, a light-handed approach she refers to as "chuckle healing."

French has a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Governors State University and an Art Therapy Certificate from Northwestern University. She holds the LCPC credential, which indicates licensure as a clinical professional counselor in Illinois. Over her career she has worked with adults 18 and older on issues including attachment and abandonment concerns, codependency, family of origin problems, gender dysphoria, self-esteem, sleeping difficulties, and career-related stress. She has experience supporting people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and those who are exploring or questioning their identities. Joan approaches each referral with curiosity and a commitment to helping individuals find paths toward greater connection and well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Joan French uses several well-established approaches that translate effectively to online therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then take steps that align with their values - a useful approach for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy places the relationship and the person’s own experience at the center of treatment, offering a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore identity, grief, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical strategies to shift behaviors and emotions, which can be helpful for stress, sleep problems, and mood concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Joan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques and combines approaches when that best supports progress.

Online therapy with Joan is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals from home or other locations, helping people maintain continuity of care during busy or transitional periods.