Joanna dos Santos, M.A., Licensed Associate Counselor
I believe our purpose is to discover the power of our authentic self.
My goal is to inspire hope, and to serve the important functions in communal human interactions, from the family to the wider world of care giving, to create congruence and equilibrium within ourselves. I will collaborate carefully with your vulnerabilities, to comfort, explore and restore your strengths and intrinsic worth.
My vision is a picture where people can individuate and stand strong for what they believe is the best for themselves. With a focus on the unconscious, and examining early childhood experiences, my approach to therapy is an empathetic observation of character traits and their protective functions to the self-esteem and self-
preservation.
A Short History
Joanna’s journey started when she emigrated from Poland at the age of thirteen. She has been described as having an intrinsic calling to helping people propel their life purpose, to empathize and empower them towards secure individuation.
Joanna’s road to helping others started at the age of 15, when she volunteered at a local YMCA, working with children ages 2-3. Her ultimate service to humanity was to the care of her mother who passed away from cancer.
Hence grief, terminal illness, addiction and despair, has become her niche. Joanna’s Bachelor’s in Psychology and Masters in Counseling Psychology focused on “Authentic Issues on Cervical Cancer” and “Unethical Relations between Couples”. Joanna’s work at an inner-city School Based Counseling Program with adolescents was guided by steering an optimistic perception and attitude towards life. Her position as a Breast Health Navigator at a Hospital, focused on assisting breast cancer patients and survivors on acceptance and
the of pursuit of life-enhancing desires. As a Crisis Worker in the Emergency Room, Joanna performed mental health evaluations, assisted in determining a patient’s level of care, and as a Behavioral Health Counselor she provided onsite consumer supervision to psychiatric patients, and the coordination of auxiliary services.
Education
Graduate School: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ
Undergraduate: Caldwell College, Caldwell, NJ
Additional Expertise & Advanced Training:
IMAGO Couples Therapy
EMDR Level 1 – for Trauma/PTSD
Reiki: Level 1 and 2
Credentials
Therapist Type: M.A., Licensed Associate Counselor
License Number: 37AC00350800
Practice State: New Jersey
Supervisor’s Name: Brian Nandy
Supervisor’s License : 37PC00350300
Diploma/Certificate Type: Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology. Year 2011
School graduated: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ
Helping Areas of Interests
Terminal Illness, ADHD, Academic Achievement, Alcohol Abuse, Anger Management, Anxiety & Depression, Child/Adolescent, Trauma/PTSD, Codependency, Divorce, Grief, Parenting, Pregnancy/ Prenatal/Postpartum, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Spirituality, Women’s Issues
Helping Orientation Preferences
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic Psychoanalytic-Psychodynamic, Emotionally Focused, IMAGO Relationship
Counseling, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Trauma Focused/EMDR.
Client Focus
I have special interest in treating clients in these categories: Cancer & Grief