- Strengths focused
- Supportive and relaxed
- Practical skills
About Joanne
Joanne (Jody) Girou is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) based in Michigan who helps people manage stress, anxiety, parenting concerns, relationship struggles, and grief. She brings 24 years of social work experience and aims to make sessions calm and approachable for people who may feel nervous about starting therapy.
Jody keeps a relaxed, non-judgmental style in sessions. She centers the conversation on each person and looks for strengths to build on. People can expect a supportive tone and practical steps rather than a lot of jargon.
Her work has included supporting people with ADHD, autism, trauma, depression, and a range of life changes. Jody uses a mix of approaches to match the issue at hand, drawing on cognitive-behavioral ideas, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques when useful.
Adoption and foster care are listed among her additional focuses, and she also addresses attachment and family of origin issues. In-session conversations often cover coping skills, communication strategies, and ways to manage overwhelming feelings so daily life can feel more manageable.
Clients who choose Jody can expect someone who listens, stays practical, and partners with them to set real goals. She invites people to bring their concerns and works with them to develop steps that fit their life and values.
Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions that match those values while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions by shifting attention toward meaningful goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is useful for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills, which can be helpful for strong emotions and relationship stress.Finding the right approach is often a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals, try methods that match those goals, and adjust as needed. This conversation about fit is part of early sessions so methods align with what the client needs and prefers.
The biography does not list session formats, so confirm which online options are available before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and making it simpler to schedule around work or caregiving. Therapists and licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and DBT techniques to online work so practical skills and emotional tools are still the focus in sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting and relationship issues, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and related life changes.
What is the therapist's approach or style?
Her style is supportive, non-judgmental, and relaxed, with a person-centered focus that builds on client strengths.
How much experience does she have?
She has 24 years of experience in social work, working with children and adults across a range of concerns.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) in Michigan and practices in that state.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with this therapist?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.