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LCPC

Joan French, LCPC

  • Experience17 years
  • LocationIllinois
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Joan

Joan French is a licensed clinical professional counselor who helps people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, self-esteem concerns, grief, career stress, sleep problems, and the process of coping with life changes.

Background and approach

With 17 years of practice, she draws on an integrative, trauma-informed orientation that aims to strengthen connection and reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Joan emphasizes creating a trusting, nonjudgmental environment where clients can voice what feels difficult to name and begin to feel heard.

Her work blends talk-based skills with experiential tools, drawing from Internal Family Systems, cognitive and behavioral strategies, DBT skills, acceptance-based techniques, and expressive practices such as art therapy and positive communication skill building. She often weaves in practical anger management approaches and gentle humor when appropriate.

Joan holds an MA in Community Counseling and an Art Therapy Certificate, bringing both clinical training and creative methods to support growth. Joan currently accepts individual adult clients aged 18 and older and welcomes people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ or who are exploring gender and identity questions.

She practices in Illinois and offers a collaborative, patient-minded approach focused on helping clients feel understood and move toward greater wellbeing.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Joan often uses Internal Family Systems to help people understand and relate to different inner parts or voices, which can reduce internal conflict and improve self-compassion. She also draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in clarifying values and building psychological flexibility when facing painful thoughts or emotions. In session she blends these approaches with client-centered listening, allowing practical skills and creative techniques to emerge naturally based on each person’s needs.

Finding the right fit is a collaborative process that unfolds over time. The therapist works together with clients to determine which combination of approaches feels most helpful, adjusting methods as goals and preferences become clearer. Clients are encouraged to share feedback so the work stays aligned with what matters to them.

Online therapy offers flexible access to these approaches through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to schedule regular sessions, check in between meetings, and choose the mode of communication that feels most comfortable. For many people, remote sessions provide consistent support while balancing other life responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Joan address in therapy?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep difficulties, career issues, self-esteem, and coping with life changes, among other related concerns.
What is Joan's therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is trauma-informed and integrative, combining client-centered listening with techniques from Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, ACT, and expressive methods to fit each person’s needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Joan brings 17 years of experience as a therapeutic counselor, integrating life experience, clinical training, and creative interventions.
What are Joan's credentials and where is she located?
She is an LCPC practicing in Illinois with licence number IL LCPC 180.007674.
Does Joan speak other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available with Joan?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To start, choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule an appointment based on the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

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 approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

17+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English