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JS Portrait of Joni Spohn

Joni Spohn

Compassionate LCSW with practical tools

LCSW Illinois

Experience
34 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Joni

About Joni

Joni Spohn is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 34 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. She listens closely and works with each person to find practical steps they can try between sessions.

Background and approach

Her approach is grounded in everyday language and straightforward problem solving. Joni draws on several evidence-informed methods to match what a person needs.

She uses the Gottman Method to guide communication and rebuild connection, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and act on them. Attachment-based ideas inform how she helps clients understand their patterns in close relationships.

In sessions she keeps things direct and collaborative. People can expect focused conversation, gentle challenge, and tasks to practice new ways of relating or coping.

Homework is often given and sometimes completed during a session so skills can be reviewed together. Her background includes many years in both hospital and community settings, which shaped a practical, problem-solving style.

Joni works with a wide range of concerns including trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, eating issues, and parenting strain. She also addresses aging and geriatric issues, blended family matters, and communication difficulties.

Sessions are offered in English and conducted in ways that fit a person’s life. Joni aims to help people build clearer choices, better boundaries, and more satisfying relationships over time.

Approaches for Online Relationship and Coping Work

Joni often combines the Gottman Method and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when working online. The Gottman Method focuses on practical communication skills, reducing conflict cycles, and rebuilding connection through structured exercises that translate well to video sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people name what matters most, accept difficult feelings, and take steps aligned with their values. She treats finding the right approach as a team effort. During early sessions she will listen to goals and try different techniques to see what fits. Clients and the therapist decide together which methods to keep using as they track progress and adjust plans. Online work is designed for flexibility and accessibility. Video calls let people practice communication exercises face to face; phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or for brief check-ins; live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to get short reflections or homework reminders between appointments. These options help therapy fit into busy schedules, work breaks, or days when a camera session isn’t practical.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, self esteem, and a range of other concerns listed in her specialties.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Sessions are collaborative and practical, with clear conversation, gentle challenge, and tasks to try between appointments or during sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Joni has 34 years of experience across hospital and community settings, which informs her practical, problem-solving approach.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices with that credential in the state.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and scheduling handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterInfidelitySelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

34+ years

Licensed in

Illinois

Languages

English