Joan Lawrence

My communication style

I aim to be friendly and realistic in my work. The goal is to set the stage for clients to feel willing and open in sharing what has brought them to therapy and what they would like to accomplish while in therapy. We will work together toward these ends. While I am sometimes directive, I am often non-directive, allowing clients to direct.

My journey to mental healthcare

Soon after graduating from college, I earned a master's degree in counseling, focusing on school counseling. I was a school counselor for 16 years. During that time, I became a licensed counselor and earned my doctorate in counselor education and supervision. I then saw clients in my own practice. I enjoy serving clients and teaching counseling.

My goals for you

I encourage clients to identify their own goals and make plans to reach those goals. We also work together to add new ideas to those the client has thought of. Goals need to be realistic and achievable for the client. If the goals are the client's, they are much more likely to become a reality.

Our first session

In a typical first session, I encourage a client to identify their reasons for coming to therapy as well as their end goals for therapy. We discuss their journey to date and explore new ideas that would guide them to their goals. I usually encourage the client to identify an achievable goal that they can reach before our next session.

I identify as...

• Female
• Caucasian or White
• Christian