Joanne (Jody) Girou , LMSW

Joanne (Jody) Girou is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in Michigan with 24 years of experience supporting both children and adults. She has worked across a broad range of concerns including ADHD, autism, anxiety, parenting challenges, depression, relationship struggles, and trauma, bringing a depth of experience to each therapeutic relationship.

Her approach to therapy is grounded in a supportive, non-judgmental, and relaxed style that aims to make the process approachable. She works in a person-centered way, prioritizing each individual’s strengths as the foundation for healing and growth. Joanne integrates multiple evidence-informed methods to tailor interventions to the needs of the person in front of her, drawing on tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Joanne focuses on practical coping strategies as well as deeper work around attachment, grief, intimacy, self-esteem, and life transitions. She also offers support for family and parenting dynamics, career concerns, compassion fatigue, and complex stressors that affect daily functioning. Her intent is to create a calm, collaborative space where people can explore concerns and develop meaningful, lasting change.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Support

Joanne uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy as part of her clinical toolkit. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, often benefiting people with anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on values-based action and learning to live alongside difficult thoughts and feelings, which can be useful for grief, chronic stress, and life transitions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness, helping clients who struggle with intense emotions or relationship challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Joanne collaborates with each person to determine what fits best. She tailors methods to an individual’s goals, preferences, and the specific issues they bring, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Joanne is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals without added travel, supporting continuity of work on parenting, ADHD, relationship concerns, or other life stresses from wherever the client is located in Michigan.