I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree, cum laude, in Community Health Science and a Master’s Degree in Applied Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University. My twenty four years of experience in the counseling field include working with family members within their home settings to help strengthen their bonds as well as develop their individual support systems. I’ve worked with children on the autism spectrum and their families In addition to my clinical training and working with families experiencing grief and bereavement, I have been employed by nonprofit social service organizations and have experience counseling teens in their homes and in group home settings. I’ve assisted clients experiencing ADHD, anxiety, serious depression and suicidal behavior and severe family and interpersonal dysfunction. I have assisted clients and families with the loss of a close friend or family member
My counseling style is chiefly client-centered, remaining open to my client’s specific needs and concerns with an emphasis on utilizing my very patient listening skills. Treating my clients with respect is always my priority. Maintaining a good rapport and helping my clients feel comfortable discussing their most personal feelings are also very important components of my therapeutic approach. I am empathetic and non judge-mental in my approach to problem solving.
Seeking help is not an easy undertaking and my goal is to open the door to improving mental health and healing. I look forward to working with my clients in an effort to assist them toward leading more satisfying and productive lives.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NJ LPC 37PC00303100
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joan Holmes. 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.
Being relatively new to therapy and dealing with practical issues, Joan gave sound advice as to how to handle problems and then effectively delved into ways as to not allow the problems to cause personal unhappiness.
Written on Feb 13, 2026 after therapy with Joan for 2 weeks
Joan Holmes is a very caring person who allows me to express my feelings. She doesn’t say you should call someone like she’s filling a nagging, badgering voice. She just gently asks did you call anyone? She’s available for impromptu texts.
Written on Jan 04, 2026 after therapy with Joan for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Joan has been an exceptional listener and makes me feel at peace when I share my feelings. She can relate to what I am going through and has the ability to provide feedback that I can integrate into daily practice.
Written on Nov 27, 2025 after therapy with Joan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Joan had brought a sense of peace after every session. She’s been able to provide me with tools to help me. She really listens to every word I say and follows up or asks questions that pertain to discussions we have had. She’s very knowledgeable.
Written on Oct 03, 2025 after therapy with Joan for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Joan is a wonderful therapist. A great listener and offers good feedback when asked for it. I’ve worked with her for a year now and have great confidence in the support she offers.
Written on Mar 05, 2025 after therapy with Joan for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I enjoy speaking with Joan Holmes, she listens and is very attentive. She makes me feel comfortable to be able to open up in order to get to the core of my issues. I recommend Joan for a very easy comfortable conversation.
Written on Oct 04, 2024 after therapy with Joan for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem