- Values-based work
- Trauma-informed care
- LGBT affirming
About Joanna
Joanna Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, and questions about identity. She focuses on honest, straightforward support. Joanna aims to make therapy practical and respectful from the first session.
She works with people coping with trauma, mood struggles, addiction, and major life changes. Joanna offers an affirming environment for LGBT individuals and for those exploring gender and sexual identity. She also helps people dealing with work strain, compassion fatigue, and self-esteem problems.
Joanna uses approaches that encourage action and emotional understanding. She draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take manageable steps toward them. Attachment-based and emotionally focused work guide conversations about how past relationships shape present patterns.
Trauma work and mindfulness practices are part of her toolkit when processing painful memories or grounding strong emotions. She can incorporate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for people with traumatic memories who and whose needs fit that method.
Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented. Joanna prioritizes clear communication and helps clients build skills they can use between sessions. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.
People who choose Joanna often want a therapist who listens, reflects what they say, and helps them try concrete changes. If you want collaborative support for relationship struggles, identity questions, or recovery from past hurts, Joanna offers practical guidance and steady care.
Approaches that guide online work
Joanna often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people get clear on what matters to them and take small, meaningful steps toward those values. ACT is useful for anxiety, stress, and decisions about life direction.Attachment-Based Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy are also part of her practice. These approaches look at how early relationship patterns shape current feelings and communication, and they help people change unhelpful interaction patterns and build emotional safety in relationships.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Joanna will work with each person to choose methods that match goals, needs, and preferences rather than imposing a single path. Together they set goals and try tools, then adjust based on what actually helps.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm which session formats she currently offers before booking. Online options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example, shorter check-ins during a workday break or sessions that avoid travel time. They can also let people keep therapy going while relocating or managing changing schedules. Licensed professionals can tailor pacing and homework to make remote sessions practical and useful.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
Arizona
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Joanna help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, and mood concerns like depression.
What is her general therapy style?
Joanna uses a practical, conversational style that focuses on clear goals and small steps clients can try between sessions.
What is her professional background?
She has four years of experience working with people on identity, relationship dynamics, workplace stress, and recovery from past hurts.
What credentials and location apply?
Joanna holds the LPC credential and practices in Arizona.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Session formats were not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Joanna?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.