Joanna White, LISW

Joanna White, LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker), began her career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and spent several years working with the prisoner reentry population. She later shifted her focus to clinical social work and completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California while providing services to both women and men affected by domestic and sexual violence. That combination of roles offered her a dual perspective on systems that touch people who have offended and those who have experienced victimization.

She has substantial experience supporting people who have lived with trauma, including domestic and sexual violence and childhood trauma, as well as individuals struggling with disordered eating, stress and anxiety, life transitions, parental concerns, and job-related pressures. Her practice emphasizes practical coping strategies alongside exploration of personal meaning to help clients navigate the stresses that life brings.

Joanna views change as a process and approaches therapy as a collaborative journey. She aims to guide each person toward outcomes that make sense for their life and goals, honoring individual pace and preference while offering clinical tools and support.

Integrating therapeutic approaches with online sessions

Joanna White commonly integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her work. ACT encourages learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and committing to actions that move a person toward those values - an approach often helpful for anxiety, stress, and navigating life changes.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be effective for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and for developing practical coping skills for everyday stressors.

Client-Centered Therapy is another cornerstone of her practice, emphasizing a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship that allows clients to lead at their own pace. This style supports self-esteem, relationship concerns, and decisions during transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Joanna works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts methods as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging let clients connect in ways that fit their schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and bring therapeutic work into daily life while working with licensed professionals and therapists.