- Client-centered work
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma-informed tools
About Janel
Janel Guinane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with ten years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, parenting strain, low self-esteem, depression, anger, and other life changes. Janel also supports those dealing with trauma, eating concerns, career transitions, and LGBT-related challenges.
She began her career in residential programs in San Francisco, supporting adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health issues. That early work led her to earn a Bachelor of Social Work in 2008 and a Master of Social Work in 2010. Over time she has worked with a wide range of people, including youth with housing instability and adults experiencing homelessness.
Janel currently manages a clinic program that assesses people for county mental health services and runs a homeless day respite center connecting visitors with housing, food, and healthcare. Her front-line program work keeps her familiar with practical barriers that affect daily life and treatment access.
Her approach is client-centered and strength-based. She uses Motivational Interviewing to learn each person’s perspective and priorities. She sees the person as the expert on their life and aims to collaborate rather than give prescriptive advice.
In sessions she focuses on clear goals and practical steps. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Solution-Focused methods, and trauma-focused practices when useful. People work on communication, coping skills, relapse prevention, emotion regulation, and problem solving in straightforward, goal-oriented sessions.
How her approaches translate to online work
Janel uses Client-Centered Therapy to focus on each person's concerns and goals. That approach means sessions begin with listening to what matters most and shaping the work around the client's priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify unhelpful thinking and test new behaviors; it helps with anxiety, mood, and anger by breaking problems into clear steps. She also uses EMDR for trauma-related memories when appropriate, a method that supports processing distressing memories and reducing their hold on day-to-day life.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Janel works collaboratively to figure out which methods fit a client's goals and comfort level. She reviews options, explains what each approach involves, and adjusts plans as progress is made.
Confirm current session options before booking to know how sessions are delivered. Many people find remote sessions easier to fit into work and family schedules, reduce travel, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. If a quieter setting or reduced screen time helps, discuss alternatives during the initial scheduling so sessions can fit into everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting strain, low self-esteem, depression, anger, trauma and related issues such as eating concerns and career change.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is client-centered and strength-based. She collaborates with clients and focuses on practical goals rather than giving advice.
How much experience does she have?
She has ten years of experience as a clinician and additional years working in residential and community programs prior to her licensure.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds the credential LCSW and practices in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She accepts international clients; confirm any time zone or regional requirements before booking.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; check the platform details for current pricing.
What do I do to start working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.