Joanne Waithaka, LMFT

Joanne Waithaka is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 28 years of clinical experience, offering focused support for relationships, families, and individuals navigating major life changes. As an LMFT she specializes in the dynamics that shape couple and family life, and she combines practical coaching with therapeutic techniques to help clients improve communication, resolve conflict, and pursue personal growth.

Her practice emphasizes work with older adults, multicultural and blended families, and people facing transitions such as divorce, adoption, immigration, or changes related to military service. Joanne addresses common concerns like parenting challenges, workplace stress, attachment and abandonment issues, and the emotional impacts of trauma and loss, tailoring her approach to each person’s background and goals.

Joanne brings particular sensitivity to midlife transitions and the unique needs of veterans and their families, helping clients process past hurts, rebuild trust, and strengthen family connections. She draws on evidence-informed methods to foster resilience, reduce distress from depression and trauma, and support more effective day-to-day interaction within families and intimate relationships.

Licensed to practice in Virginia, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, Joanne frames therapy as a collaborative process. She works with clients to identify priorities, develop actionable steps, and find sustainable ways forward that align with their values and life circumstances.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support for Families and Relationships

Joanne commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy in her work. ACT focuses on helping people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present - it is often helpful for managing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Narrative Therapy helps people separate themselves from their problems by examining the stories they tell about their lives, which can open new perspectives on identity, relationships, and past trauma.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Joanne approaches this collaboratively. She works with each client to identify goals, preferences, and what feels most useful in real life, and adapts methods as the work progresses to fit changing needs.

Online therapy with Joanne is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy schedules and for clients who prefer remote care. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in therapy, accommodate family or work commitments, and access licensed professionals from different locations when appropriate.