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- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting and family
- Trauma informed methods
About Joanne
Joanne (Jody) Girou, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), holds a Michigan LMSW and has 24 years of practice. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy-related issues, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting and family concerns. Her stated approach is person-centered, relaxed, and non-judgmental, using clients' strengths as a foundation for change.
Jody draws from several therapeutic approaches to meet practical needs. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is part of her work to help clients clarify values and cope with difficult feelings. She also incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Sessions focus on concrete steps. Jody listens, helps clarify goals, and tests small changes that fit daily life. She uses solution-focused strategies when people need quick, practical tools for specific problems like communication or parenting stress.
Her background includes long experience in social work with both children and adults in Michigan settings. The LMSW credential is spelled out as Licensed Master Social Worker. She emphasizes building on existing strengths rather than starting from deficits.
Jody keeps language simple in sessions and favors short, usable interventions. People who want a straightforward, strength-based therapist may find her approach useful. She works in English and does not accept international clients.
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Approaches used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and it focuses on clarifying personal values to guide action. This approach can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It provides practical exercises and behavior changes to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and to improve problem-solving skills.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness techniques are used to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. These methods help when strong emotions or relationship conflicts interfere with daily life.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to select methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions can shift focus as problems change and progress is made.
Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as current session options are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT, ACT, and DBT skills to virtual sessions to keep therapy practical and focused on real-life changes.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy-related issues, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting and many family-related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is described as person-centered, relaxed, and non-judgmental. She focuses on clients' strengths and practical steps.
How much experience does she have?
She has 24 years of experience working in the social work field with children and adults.
What credential does she hold and where is she licensed?
She holds the LMSW credential, Licensed Master Social Worker, and is licensed in Michigan.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin the process?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988.