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Joanne (Jody) Girou

Joanne (Jody) Girou

LMSW

Therapist · Michigan · 24+ years of experience

Calm, practical social worker for everyday struggles

Continue with Joanne

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  • Person-centered care
  • Practical coping strategies
  • Nonjudgmental support

About Joanne

Joanne (Jody) Girou is a licensed Master of Social Work who works with adults facing stress, anxiety, anger, grief, depression, parenting challenges, ADHD, trauma, and relationship concerns. She brings 24 years of experience in social work and aims to make sessions feel calm and approachable for people who are nervous about starting therapy.

Jody uses a person-centered style. She listens first, then helps people use their own strengths to manage problems. Her tone is relaxed and nonjudgmental, and she focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions.

Her work has included support for people with autism, adoption and foster care backgrounds, attachment concerns, caregiver stress, body image and aging issues. She also addresses communication and control problems, blended family stresses, divorce and separation, and career or life-transition concerns.

Jody draws from several approaches to shape sessions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. She blends methods to fit each person's goals rather than following a single rigid plan.

People who choose Jody can expect straightforward conversation, practical coping ideas, and emphasis on building skills. She encourages questions and works collaboratively to set goals that feel realistic and manageable.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesADHD

Also works with

Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Credentials

Michigan

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches and online care options

Joanne combines practical methods to help people manage strong emotions and everyday struggles. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, anger, and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking that keep problems going and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like depression and worry. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when feelings feel overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Joanne works with each person to choose techniques that fit their goals and comfort level, and she adjusts methods as progress is made. Clients help set the pace and decide what feels most helpful in sessions.

Format options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session types before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing appointments during breaks or from different locations. It can also let people try shorter check-ins or focus on specific skills practice between in-person meetings if those options are available. Discuss practical scheduling and session length with her when arranging the first appointment to find what works best.

At a glance

Listed location
Michigan
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
LMSW
Languages
English
License (Michigan)
LMSW · No. 6801086188
NPI
1427709401

As listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, grief, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, ADHD, trauma, and related life changes.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is supportive, relaxed, and nonjudgmental. Sessions focus on listening first and using a person-centered approach that builds on the client's strengths.

How much experience does she have?

She has 24 years of experience working in the social work field with children and adults in a variety of settings.

What credentials and location are listed for the therapist?

She is an LMSW, noted as MI LMSW, and practices in Michigan.

What languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She does not take international clients at this time.

How does pricing work for sessions?

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

How do I begin therapy with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Before you start

  • Online talk therapy is not a court-ordered or mandated anger-management course, and it does not provide attendance certificates.
  • Check that the location and license details above fit where you live.
  • If anyone is at risk of being harmed, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline first. See the support lines for the US, UK and Australia.
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