Jean Sokora, LCSW

Jean Sokora is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Missouri with 30 years of experience supporting people facing addictions, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. She brings extensive experience in addiction medicine and is credentialed as a co-occurring disorder specialist through the Missouri Credentialing Board, which reflects additional training in addressing both substance use and mental health conditions.

Jean works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and worries about substance use, and she also supports people dealing with chronic pain, illness, disability, and issues related to guilt, shame, forgiveness, and women's health. Her practice blends practical, evidence-informed methods including cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, harm reduction principles, and a strengths-based, client-centered outlook. These approaches are used to identify achievable goals and to build skills that support lasting change.

Jean views therapy as a collaborative relationship in which the client’s priorities guide the work. She helps clients clarify outcomes and choose methods that fit their needs and circumstances. Asking for help can be difficult, and Jean encourages anyone considering support to reach out when they are ready. She welcomes the opportunity to work together toward improved health and well-being.

Evidence-Informed Approaches Delivered Online

Jean commonly uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors; this approach focuses on practical skills for managing symptoms like anxiety, low mood, and substance-related habits. Motivational interviewing is another core method - a collaborative, goal-focused style that helps people explore their own reasons for change and build motivation without judgment. Harm reduction principles are also integrated for clients working with substance use, emphasizing safer choices and incremental progress rather than an all-or-nothing expectation.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is part of the work, and Jean treats that choice as a collaboration. She partners with each client to assess needs, priorities, and preferences, then adapts methods to support achievable goals and realistic steps toward improvement.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for people with busy schedules, mobility limits, or caregiving responsibilities. These formats make it easier to fit therapeutic work into everyday life and maintain continuity of care with licensed professionals and therapists regardless of location within the therapist's service area.