Joanna Czyz LSW, MSW

Hi, I’m Joanna.

I provide counseling and therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. I truly believe that we should not be alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I strive to help you feel understood, valued, and empowered in your journey to self-acceptance, self-discovery, and healing.

I believe therapy allows us to meet ourselves within a safe, non-judgmental space and provides an opportunity to pause and recognize what and how we can create the kinds of change we need and want. The therapy process can be challenging when we dive deeper into our past experiences. I can help you hold and honor your difficult emotions as you determine what is no longer serving you while you work toward becoming fully present in the here and now. 

Therapy Approach

Life is a journey, and we all go through challenging times. I became a therapist to work with individuals and help them face their difficulties and overcome challenges. I specialize in working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship conflicts, self-worth, and life transitions. My role is to help you process difficult emotions and establish a healthy way of thinking, being, and living.

In my practice, I integrate interventions from various evidence-based treatments to enhance the healing process. This includes CBT, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Expressive Arts Therapies. Through a trauma-informed perspective, I will meet each person I work with where they are at with compassion. My goal for your counseling and therapy is to provide you with a safe space to help you explore and process challenging thoughts, emotions, and past experiences and to support the transformation and healing process. 

I strive to build a therapeutic relationship free of judgment and based on acceptance and unconditional positive regard that will enable you to discover your true, healed self.

I have over 20 years of experience teaching at the preschool and elementary school levels. I’ve always had a deep desire to help people, and curiosity over and understanding of human nature came naturally to me.

Additional Specialties & Approaches:

• Self-esteem and self-acceptance
• Relationship issues
• Social skills
• Spirituality
• Self-compassion

Professional Experience

Education

• Masters of Arts in Romance Studies, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Poland
• Master of Social Work, Aurora University (George Williams College)

Certifications, Credentials, & Special Trainings

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – Illinois # 150109874
• The Neuro-Linguistic Programming 
• Life Coach Certificate
• Grief and Loss Training 
• Trauma Treatment Certification Training  (CCTP)
• Play Therapy Training 
• Sound Therapy Certificate – 2023

Interests, Passions, & Fun Facts about Joanna

In my free time, I love spending time with my family, taking long walks with my husband, and connecting with nature. We love to travel and go camping which had allowed us to visit nearly 30 national parks. I love to dance, “get lost” in my kitchen while creating new dishes, and listen to books and podcasts.

My way of self-care is to laugh, practice yoga, meditate, or get involved in any creative process, like making colorful, aromatic “bath bombs” or knitting something for my grandson. When I need to pause and adjust my emotional azimuth, I like to reach for a pen and paper and immerse myself in writing. 

I am a mother of four adult sons, and recently I became a grandma. My understanding of parenting, relationships, and transitions in life comes not only from my education but also from my own experience and deep inner work.

One quote I love:

“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” 

– Lisa Olivera