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Joan Holmes

Joan Holmes, LPC

Therapist in New Jersey

Experienced listener focused on practical coping

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  • Client-centered approach
  • 25 years experience
  • New Jersey LPC

About Joan

Joan Holmes is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in New Jersey with 25 years of experience. She draws on a patient, client-centered style to help people cope with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and relationship concerns including jealousy. Joan keeps conversations straightforward and listens closely so clients can say what matters most to them.

Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Science and a Master’s in Applied Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University. Over two decades she has worked with people in home and community settings, nonprofit agencies, group homes, and with families facing bereavement and complex interpersonal problems.

Joan has supported clients with autism spectrum needs, ADHD, chronic mental health struggles, and severe family dysfunction. She also helps people managing caregiving stress, chronic illness, adoption and foster care issues, and the emotional impacts of aging and cancer.

Her practice blends several approaches to match each person’s needs. Joan uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy as tools to address coping skills, communication, and emotional regulation.

She emphasizes respect, patience, and a nonjudgmental attitude while helping people work through painful experiences. Joan invites those ready to begin to take a first step toward clearer thinking, steadier emotions, and more satisfying daily life.

Approaches that translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It often focuses on everyday steps to live more meaningfully despite difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills for changing unhelpful patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Joan works collaboratively to find what fits each person's needs, goals, and preferences. Early sessions typically focus on what matters most to the client and on testing practical strategies to see what helps.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Many people find online therapy useful because it can fit into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make it easier to keep continuity during life transitions and to practice skills between sessions. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and DBT techniques to remote work, using exercises, worksheets, and guided conversations to support progress.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Narrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Credentials

New Jersey

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Joan help with?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship issues, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, and coping with life changes. Jealousy, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue are also listed focus areas.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is chiefly client-centered, focused on patient listening and building rapport. She combines that with approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, and attachment-based techniques as needed.

What is her professional background?

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Science and a Master’s in Applied Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University. Her work spans nonprofit settings, in-home services, and group homes over 25 years.

Where is she licensed and based?

Joan is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an NJ LPC credential and she practices in New Jersey.

In which languages can sessions be held?

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 for sessions?

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

How do I begin working with Joan?

Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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