PuttingFamilyFirst

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JG Portrait of Janel Guinane
Online therapist

Janel Guinane

Focused support for parenting and life stressors

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
10 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Janel

Janel Guinane is a licensed clinical social worker with ten years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting challenges, and relationship concerns. She also supports clients dealing with depression, trauma and abuse, eating struggles, bipolar disorder, and work-related burnout. Her tone in sessions is practical and respectful, and she focuses on clear goals that make day-to-day life feel more manageable.

She began in residential substance use programs and later earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work.

Background and approach

Over the years she has worked across settings that serve youth and adults with complex needs, including homelessness and co-occurring mental health concerns. That background shaped a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to care. Her style is client-centered and strengths-based.

She listens first, then partners with each person to set realistic steps. She uses motivational interviewing to understand a person’s goals and to build on their own motivations. Janel draws on cognitive behavioral techniques and solution-focused methods to help people change thoughts and habits that get in the way.

For trauma-related concerns she uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, known as EMDR, when appropriate. Sessions aim to be collaborative and goal-directed. Clients can expect a therapist who treats them as the expert on their life while offering practical tools, feedback, and encouragement to reach clearer, achievable outcomes.

Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the person’s view and building on their strengths. The therapist listens without judging and helps people set goals that matter to them, which can be done easily over video or phone. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns; it works well in online sessions where homework and skill practice can be reviewed together.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and concerns and will recommend methods that fit those needs. If an approach doesn’t feel like the right fit, adjustments are made so the work stays useful and realistic.

Online therapy offers flexibility with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options help people connect from wherever they are, fit sessions into busy schedules, and continue work between meetings. Licensed professionals can use these formats to teach skills, review progress, and support steady steps toward a client’s goals.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

EMDR

A structured protocol used with distressing memories, pairing recall with guided attention tasks. Some therapists adapt it for video sessions; whether that fits is worth asking about directly.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Janel address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting issues, self-esteem, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, eating issues, anger, career stress, bipolar symptoms, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include body image, caregiver stress, codependency, and communication problems.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and strengths-based. She listens first, then collaborates to set clear, practical goals and steps.
What background does she bring to sessions?
She started working in residential substance use programs and later completed a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work. Her experience spans community settings serving people with complex needs.
What credentials and location apply?
She is an LCSW licensed in California with license number CA LCSW 70118 and practices from California.
Which languages and international services are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
10 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

Next step

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