Joanna "Jo" Hadley , LCSW

Joanna "Jo" Hadley is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Montana who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and intimacy concerns, and issues tied to women's health. She also supports people dealing with parenting challenges, compassion fatigue, life changes, and concerns related to sexuality and LGBT identity. Jo brings practical, down-to-earth care to sessions. She listens first and then works with each person to set small, realistic goals. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on simple skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and build self-compassion. Jo adapts her approach to fit each person rather than using the same plan for everyone. Her background includes many years in social work and eight years in roles that emphasize direct client support. Recently she served as a dialysis social worker, where she helped people and families manage chronic illness and related stress. That experience shaped her ability to support people facing medical, end-of-life, and caregiving concerns. Jo uses client-centered methods alongside cognitive behavioral tools and techniques from dialectical behavior therapy. These approaches help people reframe difficult thoughts, practice new behaviors, and build coping skills for intense emotions. People who seek her support often want a practical plan and steady encouragement. Jo aims to create a respectful, calm space where clients can name their priorities and take steps toward better daily functioning and greater self-kindness.

How Jo’s approaches work online

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person's experience and priorities. Jo listens closely and mirrors what matters most, then helps shape sessions around the client's goals and preferences. This approach is useful when someone needs validation and a tailored plan rather than a one-size-fits-all method.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. Jo can help identify unhelpful thinking patterns and teach simple exercises to change reactions and reduce anxiety or low mood. CBT is practical for managing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, offers tools for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. Jo may introduce skills like grounding, distress tolerance, and clearer communication to help with emotional overwhelm and conflict.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Jo will talk with the client about goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan as progress is made. The first few sessions usually focus on what feels most urgent and what methods fit a person's style.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is valuable for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone calls can be easier when lower bandwidth or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging suit brief updates, homework, or people who prefer writing. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into busy days and to keep work on skills between sessions.