CBT Therapist Directory

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Joan French, LCPC

Trauma-informed counselor for adult emotional wellness
  • Trauma-informed care
  • CBT and DBT methods
  • Creative therapeutic tools

About Joan French

Joan French is a seasoned therapist with more than 17 years of experience helping adults who feel unheard, isolated, or stuck. She emphasizes the importance of connection and strives to create an atmosphere where people can explore painful or 'unspeakable' topics without judgment. Her work is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing on a range of methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), positive communication skill building, anger management, and art therapy to meet each person where they are.

Known for a resourceful, creative, and patient approach, she blends clinical skill with life experience and a willingness to use gentle humor when appropriate - a style she sometimes refers to as 'chuckle healing.' Joan attends to a broad spectrum of concerns, including depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, grief, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, sleep problems, career changes, and identity questions. She also welcomes people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ or who are exploring their gender and sexual identity.

Joan holds an MA in Community Counseling from Governors State University and an Art Therapy Certificate from Northwestern University. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - LCPC - indicating advanced clinical training and state licensure. She describes it as an honor to accompany people on their healing and growth journeys.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Also Specializes In

LGBTFamily conflictsGriefSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Joan French have?

Joan French has 17 years of experience as a therapeutic counselor.

Is Joan French a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCPC credential. License details are IL LCPC 180.007674.

In which languages does Joan French provide therapy?

Joan French provides therapy in English.

Where is Joan French located?

Joan French is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Joan French as my therapist?

You can work with Joan French through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Joan French work with international clients?

Joan French does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Joan French cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep difficulties; it is practical and goal-oriented, with skills that can be practiced between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, focuses on building skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially useful for people struggling with intense emotions, relationship conflicts, or patterns of avoidance. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, offering a supportive space where clients guide the focus and pace of their work while the therapist provides understanding and validation.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Joan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences. She adjusts interventions over time based on how a person responds and what they find most helpful.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing work to continue from home or another convenient location. Joan provides sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access consistent support regardless of location. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver many of the same evidence-based techniques as in-person care, adapted to the online setting.

Ready to start therapy with Joan French?

Take the first step toward a better you.