Joanna Smith

LPC

Mindful, values-driven counseling for growth

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoaching

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression Coping with life changes Compassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameInfidelityLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyEmotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

4+ years

Credentials

Arizona

Languages

English

Licenses listed

LPC, ArizonaLPC-24879
NPI 1922831668

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

Mindfulness informed
Values focused
LGBTQ affirming

About Joanna

Joanna Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who brings four years of clinical experience to her practice in Arizona. She focuses on helping people handle stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and identity questions. Joanna aims to create an affirming space for LGBTQ individuals and those exploring sexuality and identity.

Joanna uses mindfulness-based work to help clients notice and respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and build committed action. Attachment-based ideas and Emotionally-Focused Therapy inform how she looks at relationship patterns and emotional bonds.

In sessions she helps people improve communication, set boundaries, and rebuild self-esteem. She offers support for trauma, mood difficulties, career concerns, addiction, and the practical fallout of big life changes. Joanna pays attention to how family history and attachment experiences shape current behavior.

Her work includes focused approaches for intimacy-related issues, kink and alternative sexual cultures, codependency, and forgiveness work. She also supports people dealing with compassion fatigue, ADHD, and substance-related struggles. Joanna combines practical coaching with therapeutic reflection to help clients move toward clear goals.

Joanna describes her style as respectful and collaborative. She listens for strengths and offers tools people can use between sessions. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

How Joanna Uses Mindfulness and Values Work Online

Joanna blends Mindfulness Therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-informed ideas to guide online work. Mindfulness Therapy helps people notice bodily sensations and thoughts so they can respond more calmly to stress and anxiety. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on identifying personal values and committing to small, practical steps that align with those values. Attachment-informed work looks at patterns in relationships and how early bonds affect current communication and closeness.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Joanna will listen to your concerns, discuss different methods, and help choose what fits your goals and preferences. Together you set goals and try approaches in ways that match your pace and needs.

Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, avoid travel time, and follow up between meetings with focused homework or coaching-style check-ins. It can also allow shorter check-ins when time is limited or let people choose a quieter setting that helps them concentrate during a session.

These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing mindfulness as an approach does not mean a therapist holds a formal mindfulness training or certificate.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Joanna commonly help with?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, addiction, depression, career strain, and identity concerns including gender dysphoria.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is collaborative and direct, blending mindfulness practices with values work and attachment-focused conversations to help people clarify goals and take action.

What is her clinical background?

Joanna has four years of experience providing therapy and draws on approaches such as Mindfulness Therapy, ACT, EMDR, EFT, and attachment-based work.

Where is Joanna licensed and based?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Arizona and practices with that credential.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people from other countries work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What do I do to start working together?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.