PuttingFamilyFirst

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JP Portrait of Joan Paradis
Online therapist

Joan Paradis

Compassionate, practical support for life changes

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
13 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Joan

Joan Paradis is a licensed clinical social worker who aims to put people at ease from the first conversation. She keeps sessions relaxed and conversational so clients can say what matters to them. Joan listens without judgment and helps sort through stress, anxiety, grief, and day-to-day struggles.

Her approach is practical and down-to-earth, for parents and adults looking for clear support. Joan draws on methods that help people notice what matters and take useful steps toward it.

Background and approach

She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and commit to meaningful action. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to spot thought patterns that get in the way and to test new behaviors. Motivational Interviewing supports people who feel stuck and want help finding motivation for change.

With 13 years of experience, Joan brings steady presence and a focus on what works in real life. She pays attention to a wide range of concerns including depression, bipolar conditions, addictions, relationship challenges, parenting stresses, and workplace issues. She also supports people facing trauma, grief, and compassion fatigue.

Joan is licensed in Illinois as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She conducts sessions in English and does not work with international clients. Sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.

People who choose Joan typically want a calm listener who helps them see small practical steps. She invites anyone ready to try a different approach to schedule a time to talk and begin exploring options together.

Therapeutic approaches and what online care looks like

Joan often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify their values and take small, steady steps toward what matters. ACT focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, which can help with stress, anxiety, and coping with major life changes.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try practical behavior changes. CBT is useful for depression, anxiety, mood regulation, and situations where short-term strategies can reduce symptoms and build healthier habits.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Joan will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and daily demands, and then recommend techniques that fit. That choice is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to add flexibility. These options make it easier to meet around busy schedules, handle parenting or work constraints, and access therapy from home. Joan uses these formats to keep conversations practical and focused on concrete next steps.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Joan commonly address?
Her work covers stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, parenting pressures, grief, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, and related issues like workplace stress and compassion fatigue.
What is Joan's therapeutic style like?
She keeps sessions relaxed and conversational and listens without judgment. The focus is on practical steps and what matters to the client.
How long has Joan been practicing?
Joan has 13 years of clinical experience working with a range of emotional and life challenges.
What are Joan's credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the LCSW credential - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with license number IL LCSW 149022066 in Illinois.
Does Joan offer sessions in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients.
In what formats are sessions available?
Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does billing and cost work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Joan?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Joan

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