Joanne earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine and brings a background in education to the counseling profession. Her years in the classroom fostered a deep appreciation for the different ways individuals understand, learn, and engage with the world, and she carries that awareness into her work with clients of all ages. Her clinical training in an acute mental health setting further shaped her approach as she supported clients through short-term, structured care focused on promoting safety and stability.
Growing up in a diverse, culturally rich environment gave her insight into how family and cultural dynamics can shape identity, relationships, and personal development. She draws on this awareness to connect authentically with clients as they navigate healing and growth. Her clinical approach is grounded in relational and psychodynamic principles and informed by a trauma-informed lens. She integrates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build insight, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful change. She works with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety-related concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation.
While her style is warm and collaborative, she also provides structure and guidance when appropriate. She believes that early experiences influence how we relate to ourselves and others, and she supports clients in exploring these patterns with curiosity and compassion.
Outside of counseling, Joanne is a mom of three and has been married for over 20 years. She finds grounding in her faith and values lifelong learning, believing there is always something new to discover in every stage of life.
Joanne works under the direction of Caryn Pons, LCSW and receives outside supervision from Amanda Marks, LPC, CPCS.