Hi, I’m Joann chassman.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor servicing the North Shore area in Chicago, Illinois. I have over 20 years in practice dedicated to helping adults cope with a wide range of issues. 

Before moving to Chicago, I hosted a state-wide radio talk show in Alaska focusing on mental and physical health issues. I received the prestigious media award from the Alaska Mental Health Association for exceptional reporting, coverage, and sensitivity to the people and issues relating to the field of mental health. 

As part of a balanced life, I also enjoy cooking, traveling the world, exercising, and laughing with my family and friends. 

My Approach

I am most helpful to those seeking guidance, support, and tools to help you align your thoughts and feelings to reach your goals.  

I approach my work with compassion, grace, and professionalism, and use a non-judgmental approach to put my clients at ease. I work to fully understand my clients in all aspects of their lives to capitalize on their strengths. 

My sessions are held in a quiet, discreet, comfortable, and easily accessible private practice in Northbrook, Illinois. I serve clients both in-person (Illinois only), and virtually (Illinois & Florida).

my goal for you

My goal for you in therapy is to help you develop the tools, insights, and resilience to navigate life's challenges independently with my support.

In our sessions, we'll work collaboratively to understand your unique experiences, identify patterns that may be holding you back, and build strategies for more effective coping and decision-making.

Whether you're facing immediate concerns or long-standing issues, the focus is on empowering you with the skills and confidence to manage your emotional well-being and make choices that align with your personal values and goals. Ultimately, therapy is a journey towards self-sufficiency, where you become your own guide in the continuous process of growth and self-improvement.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Learn more about the approaches that I utilize to help you achieve your theurapeutic goals.

  • I help you embrace your thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them, fostering greater psychological flexibility.

  • I integrate spiritual and religious beliefs into our sessions to support and guide you in line with your faith values.

  • I focus on developing your strengths and abilities to achieve personal and professional goals.

  • I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors, improving your emotional well-being.

  • I provide culturally sensitive therapy, which respects and understands your cultural background and its impact on your life experiences

  • I concentrate on enhancing emotional awareness and expression to improve your personal and relationship well-being.

  • With couples, I focus on improving communication and resolving conflicts within family and partner relationships. In 1-1 sessions, I help you navigate the complexities of families and partnerships.

  • I take a humanistic approach, emphasizing your individuality and potential, and focusing on your personal growth and self-fulfillment

  • I help you to understand and heal your internal emotional parts, leading to greater self-harmony.

  • I assist you in understanding and improving your relationships, enhancing both communication and interpersonal skills.

  • I provide intervention strategies to address immediate crisis situations, helping you navigate these challenges safely and effectively

  • I incorporate mindfulness-based techniques to help you become more aware of the present moment, reducing stress and improving mental clarity

  • I encourage your self-motivation and commitment to change, focusing on your personal values and goals

  • In my Solution-Focused Focused Brief Therapy sessions, I concentrate on finding immediate solutions and harnessing your resources to quickly address specific challenges.