Therapist Joan French Photo

Joan French, LCPC

Stress, Anxiety Anger management Self esteem Depression
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I've met with many clients who say they don't feel really listened to or understood by others. As a result they can feel lonely, isolated, misunderstood, and hopeless. I believe that to feel a sense of personal wellness we must also feel heard, connected, and hopeful!

Finding and connecting with a positive & affirming counselor is a valuable and courageous choice to move forward! It is important for me to create a space where my clients feel trusting and comfortable. Also, this space is a 'judgement-free zone'. This is to say I want to create an atmosphere in relationship to my clients in which they can share those things which might feel 'unspeakable'. Because, it has been my experience that it is those things that need saying.

I have a well-seasoned 16 years of experience working as a therapeutic counselor. I am thankful to be able to do this work! I consider myself to be a resourceful, creative, patient therapist with a robust combination of clinical expertise, therapeutic skill, and practical knowledge.

My approach may be considered integrative, as I will often utilize techniques from: CBT, Mindfulness and Relaxation Training, Wellness-based approach, Positive Communication Skill Building, Anger Management, Art Therapy, Expressive Therapy, & Family Systems. I must also add here that I try to incorporate humor, when appropriate, as I am very funny. Let's call this 'chuckle healing'.

I received my Master of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Governors State University, and I received an Art Therapy Certificate from Northwestern University.

I'd consider it an honor to be a part of your journey forward.

Professional experience

3yrs in practice

Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Abandonment, Attachment Issues, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Divorce and Separation, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and Shame, Isolation/Loneliness, Jealousy, Life Purpose, Midlife Crisis, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Narcissism, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic Stress, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-Love, Sexuality, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: 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

License information

IL LCPC 180.007674

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joan French. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Joan and I have only spoken twice so far, but we have already began heading down the right path to my mental health. Looking forward to future sessions!

Written on Dec 06, 2022 after therapy with Joan for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and self esteem

I am so glad that I found Joan on BetterHelp. She is a kind, caring and compassionate guide as I continue to navigate early trauma and how it has impacted my life. I truly want to live a life where I am my top priority and she is helping me get there, my future is brighter with her as my guide.

Written on Sep 06, 2022 after therapy with Joan for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Joan is a great therapist and really cares for her clients but, if want consistency in meeting every week, she may not be the therapist for you.

Written on Jun 17, 2022 after therapy with Joan for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and self esteem

She’s so wonderful! Incredibly helpful and professional!

Written on Jun 08, 2022 after therapy with Joan for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Great therapist, helped a lot

Written on Apr 04, 2022 after therapy with Joan for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Joan is an amazing listener, she is attentive to all my needs. She makes therapy feel like a regular conversation with a few jokes here and there. Makes you feel good.

Written on Oct 20, 2021 after therapy with Joan for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd