Joanne (Jody) Girou, LMSW - Therapist in Michigan

About Joanne

Joanne (Jody) Girou is a licensed social worker based in Michigan who focuses on practical help for everyday family and parenting concerns. She offers a calm, nonjudgmental presence and aims to make sessions feel easy to join. Parents and caregivers often seek her out for stress, anxiety, parenting questions, relationship tensions, and mood concerns.

Jody draws on 24 years of experience in social work with both children and adults. She uses tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused work.

Background and approach

In a session she helps people identify strengths, try small changes, and practice skills that reduce overwhelm. Her style is relaxed and person-centered. That means she listens first, follows what matters to the client, and then suggests concrete steps they can try between sessions.

She emphasizes practical strategies that can fit into busy family life. Jody has supported people dealing with ADHD, autism, trauma, grief, intimacy or self-esteem concerns, and caregiver stress. She also addresses communication problems, blended family issues, and challenges related to adoption and foster care.

Sessions are delivered using a range of online formats that fit different schedules. People who want straightforward, steady support and clear next steps often find her approach useful.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions that fit family life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when feelings are hard. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and parenting decisions where getting unstuck matters more than perfect solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical exercises to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and improve daily routines. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches skill-based tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication in relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will listen to the client's goals and preferences and then suggest one or a mix of approaches. That choice is collaborative and can change as progress is made or new priorities appear.

Online therapy lets people fit sessions into busy family schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations, phone sessions provide flexibility, and live chat or text-based messaging support shorter check-ins or written practice. These options make it simpler to try new skills between meetings and keep continuity when life is unpredictable.

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.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?

She works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, parenting questions, relationship and family problems, ADHD, trauma and grief, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach is supportive, relaxed, and nonjudgmental. She focuses on clients' strengths and offers concrete tools and skills to try between sessions.

How much experience does she have?

Jody has 24 years of experience in social work, with practice that includes work with both children and adults.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She holds a Licensed Master Social Worker credential - MI LMSW 6801086188 - and practices from Michigan.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted; she works with clients within the region indicated by her Michigan license.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 24 years
Licensed: Michigan
Languages: English

Next step

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