Find a therapist in Florida — covered by insurance

Many people come to therapy not because something is "wrong" with them, but because they're ready for something different. I believe that most people who seek support aren't broken, they're brave. They've decided that something needs to shift, and they're willing to do the work to get there.

Whether you're navigating past trauma, breaking patterns that no longer serve you, or working through negative self-talk, you don't have to figure it out alone.

I'm Joanna Saint Jacques, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with children and adults across a range of life experiences. My approach is warm, direct, and deeply collaborative. We work together to explore what's holding you back and create space for real, lasting change.

Have you experienced past or present trauma that may be hindering your personal growth and getting in the way of your goals? We all have struggled in dealing with painful situations, but we no longer have to struggle alone.

As the saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu. Let me help you take that first step towards becoming a better you!

I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, relationship issues and bereavement utilizing the following therapeutic approaches such as psycho-dynamic therapy, insight oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy modalities, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and grievance therapy.

Contact me today for a free 15 minute consultation.

La consulta puede ser en español.

● Primary focus on Autism/ADHD Life Skills Coaching - Autism, NVLD, ADHD, other neurodivergent processing differences

● Couple's Counseling - When one partner is affected by autism

● Family Counseling and Psychoeducation - Families when a family member affected by autism

● Trauma Reprocessing – PTSD, Complex Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma, Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR)

● Substance Abuse and Process Addictions – Alcohol, Drugs, Food, Codependency

● Cultural Competency Awareness

My counseling experience includes individual, couple, family, and group therapy. For over twenty years, I have worked with clients from 4 years old to 114 years old. My career has included private practice as well as the non-profit sector, working extensively with teens and adults. It is my belief that everyone has the right to lead a positive, peaceful life.

I am passionate about helping others along their journey to achieve healing, growth, and balance. I know firsthand that life can often take us down unexpected roads that might feel extremely scary, intense, and at other times, exciting. I also know that there is infinite power and resilience that comes from seeking help, leaning in, and doing the work that helps us cope during the difficult times and feel grounded once again.

I have worked with clients from ages 3 through 80 and with individuals, couples, and families. With that breadth of experience, very little shocks or surprises me, and I am able to develop an individualized approach for each client, combining therapy modalities that play to my strengths as a counselor and that are helpful for the people I’m working with.

Three principles shape all the counseling I do:

• Counseling should be efficient. Counseling has significant costs in time and money. I think the benefits far outweigh the costs but when I can give you the benefits while helping you save on the costs I will do that. So I choose approaches to counseling (like EMDR and EFT) that generally work more quickly. That being said, I don’t want to you to feel better for three to six months and then need counseling again because we only worked on symptom relief and didn’t bring healing to the underlying causes. That doesn’t seem very efficient to me. So my goal is to provide as long-lasting and complete help as possible in as little time as possible.
• The client is always in charge. People are complex and come with years of history that I can never know all of. I know a lot of things but you will always be the one who decides what you want to get out of counseling, how we work towards that goal, whether or not what we’re doing seems to be working, and when we’re done.
• Change and health happen through relationships. The work we do in counseling will touch on how your relationships impact your health. No matter what you come in for, there are always relational implications of change and relational factors that contribute to whatever it is that you came to counseling to change. Change can only happen in counseling because of our relationship. It’s my responsibility to make our relationship a place where you feel heard and accepted.

A person may not be able to change tough situations from the past; however, I strongly believe they can strive for healthier understandings and resolutions of present challenges in their lives. My approach to therapy is holistic to help you gain insight and awareness of your capabilities and choices in life. Utilizing an integrative approach, a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, I modify my technique based on your individual needs.

Therapy allows for personal growth and the exploration of daily struggles. As a licensed therapist, I help clients cope with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including anxiety, depression, identity, phobias, relationship issues, trauma, loss, anger management, and life transitions.

I have a background in special education, adult education, and community counseling. I have worked with clients in a myriad of settings and have taught at the high school and college level. I am looking forward to working with you.

Have you tried therapy without progress? Struggled for years with emotional instability, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, wounds, grief, feeling guilty/shameful, or easily triggered? These stem from unhealed experiences that have negatively impacted your life. No matter how many years have passed, time does not heal all wounds- it conceals them. Unresolved hurts in your heart build up over time and deeply affect what you believe about yourself and others. The therapeutic process requires examining your heart, transparency, openness, honesty, deep work, and will. If you commit to the process, you will see progress.

My interest in counseling grew from my own work recovering from childhood trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. I focus on mindfulness based counseling. Therapy can help you achieve a more fulfilling life and relationships. Therapy is a unique relationship, where you as a client can be completely open and honest. The most important factor in the success of therapy is your connection and relationship with your therapist.