- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive behavioral methods
- Faith informed options
About Joy-Ann
Joy-Ann Phillips-Schwartz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She provides therapy for adults, couples, and families. Her work covers depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, stress, anger, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and ADHD.
She uses practical conversation to help people notice how thoughts and actions affect feelings. Sessions include direct problem solving, skill practice, and reviewing what has or has not helped in the past. For people who prefer faith-informed care, she offers Christian perspective options alongside other therapeutic methods.
Joy-Ann has experience as a forensic interviewer and has worked with victims of sexual abuse. That background informs how she approaches trauma-related concerns and personal crises. She aims to help people process difficult events at a pace that feels manageable.
Her training includes Motivational Interviewing, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and trauma therapies. In plain terms, she helps clients set goals, try new ways of responding, and track small changes over time. She works collaboratively with clients to identify practical next steps between sessions.
She encourages people to notice strengths they already use and to build on those skills. Initial steps include a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session to begin looking at immediate concerns and longer term goals.
Evidence-based approaches and online sessions
Joy-Ann uses evidence-based techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral methods. Motivational interviewing helps people clarify what they want to change and builds motivation for new behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral approaches look at thought and behavior patterns and teach practical skills to reduce distress and manage anger or anxiety.She also uses trauma-focused methods when past events affect current reactions. Those approaches focus on grounding, pacing, and processing memories in ways that reduce overwhelming responses. Deciding which approach to use is collaborative; the therapist and client work together to match methods to goals and comfort level.
If you are considering online work, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit into a workday, cut travel time, and let them check in from a quieter location. A phone session can be useful for a brief check-in or when video is not practical, while video sessions allow for face-to-face interaction and teaching of skills. The clinician will discuss which format suits your needs when you schedule the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
District of Columbia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and ADHD.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses practical conversation, goal setting, and skill practice. Sessions focus on concrete steps and reviewing what works between meetings.
What experience does she bring?
She has worked in mental health for 15 years and has served adults, couples, and families in various clinical roles.
What credential and location are listed?
She is a DC LICSW, based in the District of Columbia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions billed?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.