Jana Carroll-Thomas, LISW

Jana Carroll-Thomas relocated to Ohio a year ago after spending 44 years in Michigan, a move she says reinforced what can be achieved by stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University in 2004, graduating with honors, and holds LISW credentials - Licensed Independent Social Worker - in Ohio while also maintaining licensure in Michigan. Her professional background spans nearly two decades in child welfare, first as a frontline worker and later as a supervisor, which developed a deep specialty in child abuse and trauma work.

In addition to agency leadership, Jana currently supervises programming designed to help people living with HIV access the resources they need to thrive. She also has more than five years of experience offering individual counseling in Michigan, working with concerns such as depression, relationship difficulties including domestic violence, self-esteem challenges, LGBTQ issues, anxiety and stress including panic attacks, OCD, and attention-related concerns. Her practice emphasizes treating every person with dignity, sensitivity, compassion, and respect.

Jana’s counseling style is warm and interactive, with a focus on mindfulness and cognitive approaches that explore how thinking affects choices. She incorporates humanistic and holistic techniques - including visualization, meditation, and guided imagery - and collaborates with clients to set goals and develop individualized treatment plans. She frames therapy as a courageous step toward a more fulfilling life and aims to support and empower each person she works with.

CBT, Mindfulness, and Online Support with an LISW

Jana Carroll-Thomas uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify patterns of thinking that influence emotions and behaviors; this practical approach often supports people coping with anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges by teaching skills to reframe thoughts and try new behaviors.

She also draws on mindfulness-informed and humanistic techniques that encourage present-moment awareness, self-compassion, and personal growth. These practices - which can include guided imagery, meditation, and visualization - are useful for clients seeking tools to manage emotional intensity, improve self-esteem, or build resilience after trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Jana collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative exploration helps shape a tailored plan that evolves as the work progresses.

Online therapy offers flexibility to connect in ways that fit a client’s life. Jana provides sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make it easier to maintain continuity of care around work, family, and other commitments. These options support regular access to a licensed professional while accommodating different communication styles and schedules.