About Me

Joanne earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. She is certified by the state of California in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which she received during her internship while working with children and adolescents. Joanne also worked closely with parents on parenting skills in order to help families build stronger and more positive communication with one another. She acquired additional training in group therapy by working with children and adolescents for 20 weeks in Group Services where she learned various skills co-facilitating groups. Joanne obtained experience in a partial hospitalization program and enthusiastically created a 20-week therapeutic group on body image and self-esteem concerns, where clients spoke freely regarding their specific struggles. Topics in the group therapy included relapse prevention skills, positive coping skills, anger management, stress management, and mood management. She incorporated techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation, and communication skills in order for her patients to develop self-confidence. Joanne is able to individualize treatment based on the client’s needs and she will use an integrative model approach to meet her client’s needs.