Joan Laguzza, LCSW Joie PDX Counseling

Solution Focused Brief Therapy

This style of therapy is designed to provide a quick resolution to a specific problem. It can identify existing strengths and help determine how to use them to resolve issues and attain goals. I am a creative problem solver and enjoy helping others realize their potential to create solutions to establish balance and wellbeing in their lives.

Eclectic

Being able to access multiple therapeutic tools and methods guarantees the best adapted approach to individual needs. I strive to ever increase my knowledge of therapy modalities and use them creatively to help reach maximum potential.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help people recognize the relation between their thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors. This reliable method is versatile, and is easily adapted to address different issues and accommodate different viewpoints.

Aging Concerns

I specialize in helping older adults, their families, and caregivers with the myriad issues associated with aging. These may include memory loss, medical challenges, changes in family dynamics, depression, anxiety, loss of relationships, and the complexities of long term care and end of life planning.

Alzheimers

For over five years, I have worked with older adults having memory loss in mental health and medical settings. I help older adults maintain their independence, mediate with family, coordinate care with medical professionals, and help maintain a sense of balance in the setting of loss of power, control, and privacy. I am successful in moderating unwanted behaviors and implementing coping skills.

Personality Disorders

Disordered personality traits can result in maladaptive coping skills that negatively impact relationships. They can make it hard to achieve desired outcomes in life and work. I strive to create a non-judgmental space to develop better coping and more successful strategies to satisfy your needs.

PTSD

My work as a medical social worker at a Level 1 trauma hospital in the burn center, trauma, and intensive care units has informed my approach to people suffering from the effects of trauma and familiarized me with its varied manifestations. I have expertise in dealing with crisis, the immediate impact of trauma, and the long lasting emotional and physical effects of historical trauma.

Depression

Feelings of depression are fairly common but can manifest differently for each person. Some levels of depression can be satisfactorily addressed with therapy alone, and some may call for the addition of medical treatment. I provide assessment to ascertain how symptoms of depression can best be improved and work to devise a treatment plan that fits each individual need.