Joan French, MA, NCC, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Nationally Certified Counselor

Phone 708-429-6999 to make an appointment.
Contact Ms. French by E-Mail

I have a general practice and work with clients of all ages and with a wide variety of presenting issues. My areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, couple and family struggles, parenting issues, and managing anger. In addition to traditional therapy, I also offer Art Therapy services in my practice.

Endeavoring Toward Change

It takes a great deal of courage to choose change and to see hope and possibility when there might seem to be little- if any at all. Making the choice to understand and improve yourself and/or your relationships is a courageous act. As a therapist I have had the opportunity to work with a number of individuals who started out with a seed of hope, and I have witnessed that seed grow into an expanse of joyful purpose, unanticipated promise & achievement, and peaceful understanding.

Partners In The Counseling Process

It’s very important to me that I meet you right where you are starting from. For some that may mean exploring past hurts which are affecting life today, and for others it might be addressing frustrating and painful present day struggles. Wherever your starting point, and whatever your choice for seeking counseling is – I consider myself an invested partner in helping you to develop and meet your therapeutic goals.

Therapy Services

I offer a variety of professional counseling services, including:

• Individual Psychotherapy
• Couples and Marriage Therapy
• Family Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Play Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Therapy for All Ages

Conditions Treated

• Broad range of issues affecting mental health
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders & Coping with Stress/ Burnout
• Couple & Family Issues
• Managing Anger
• Parenting Support

Specialty Service Option – The Use Of Art In Therapy

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for. – Georgia O’Keefe

At times, there are no words to express a certain feeling or thought. As part of my practice I offer the option of using Art Therapy as a way to facilitate expression & healing through image creation. You needn’t be a great artist to find healing in Art Therapy; and the goal is not to create a masterpiece. Instead, the intention is similar to that of other forms of therapy: self-discovery, expression, and moving toward therapeutic goals. Some Art Therapy interventions may include using drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, mask-making, visual journaling, and more.

Education

• Governors State University, MA – Counseling
• Northwestern University, Art Therapy – Certificate In Progress

Certifications

Nationally Certified Counselor – National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc.