Joy Close , LCSW

Joy Close is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience helping adults navigate a wide range of emotional and life challenges. She emphasizes a collaborative approach that supports each person in developing greater self-understanding, practical coping skills, and pathways to resolution for the issues they bring. Joy tailors therapy to the individual, drawing on a variety of therapeutic techniques to meet unique needs while fostering a sense of being heard, valued, and empowered.

Her clinical work has included treatment for anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, family conflict, relationship concerns, sexuality and LGBTQIA+ issues, and adjustment difficulties. Joy also addresses stress, trauma and abuse, addictions, parenting and intimacy-related concerns, sleep problems, career-related struggles, and mood disorders among other areas. She brings particular experience supporting people through bereavement, caregiving stress, chronic illness and disability, and the complex effects of trauma.

Joy describes her practice as committed to social justice and respect for diversity. She is an anti-racist, anti-sexist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex-positive clinician who works with adult clients from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. As an LCSW - a credential indicating advanced training in clinical social work and therapeutic practice - she integrates clinical skill with a compassionate, person-focused stance to help clients pursue meaningful change.

Approaches, Collaboration, and the Convenience of Online Therapy

Joy integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her practice, a method that helps people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed steps toward a life that matters to them. ACT can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and navigating major life changes.

She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, respect, and a nonjudgmental stance to help clients build self-awareness and self-trust. This approach supports work on self-esteem, relationship concerns, and personal growth by meeting the person where they are.

Mindfulness Therapy is another element of her work, offering straightforward practices to increase present-moment awareness and calm. Mindfulness techniques can aid in managing stress, improving sleep, and strengthening coping skills for trauma-related and mood concerns.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and Joy works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they discuss options, monitor what is helping, and adjust the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy with Joy is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexible ways to attend sessions from home or while managing busy schedules. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care, accommodate caregiving or work demands, and access licensed professionals from a distance.