Joanne Koegl MA, LMFT

Welcome to my website. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of Grief and Loss Therapy, Couples Counseling and Individuals experiencing a wide variety of relational, behavioral and emotional problems. I strive to create a safe, caring and supportive environment combined with a seasoned clinical approach.  Many of my clients come from Pasadena, La Canada, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, San Marino, Arcadia, Alhambra, Highland Park, Silverlake, Eagle Rock, Montrose and, since I am primarily virtual I am able to see clients from all over California which includes The Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Orange County and The Inland Empire, etc. Since 2021 my main focus is to help people affected by the unprecedented affects and after affects of this pandemic. In my Blog you will see how the pandemic affected me and that is why I have the upmost desire to be of service to the thousands of people that are struggling in one way or other due to the many mental health issues as a result of the pandemic.

PANDEMIC’S AFFECT ON MENTAL ILLNESS

It is not surprising that the Pandemic would devastate mental health. Illness or fear of illness, social isolation, economic insecurity, disruption of routine and loss of loved ones are known risk factors for depression and anxiety. But psychologists say the findings also include surprises about the wide extent of mental distress; the way media consumption exacerbates it; and how badly it has affected young people. We are traumatized and re-traumatized.

As a relationship and couples therapist I am seeing many people that have re-evaluated their lives, jobs, marriages, relationships and the meaning of life. As we entered the “new normal” recent research surveys noted that family, friends, and relationships are the main source of life’s meaning. Since the social distancing of the the past two plus years it has had both positive and negative consequences especially with couples that had to navigate living and working together for prolonged periods of time. The quarantine forced some to confront what they’d been ignoring. The number of couples seeking therapy has been growing as they come to these realizations. I work with you to help comprehend the changes you are feeling and struggling with. Many are feeling that their lives are not fulfilled or want to make professional and personal changes but unsure what to do or even where to begin. It can also be a period of excitement and rebirth.

• Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can cause the following:

  • Grief and Loss

  • Relationship changes

  • Existential reflection

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

  • Worsening of chronic health problems.

  • Worsening of mental health conditions.

  • Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

  • Increased death by suicide.

How I can help you…

My goal is to help my clients use their special, unique qualities to find solutions to problems, enhance their relationships, build confidence, build a healthy sense of self and acknowledge their own strength. I have always been drawn to Oak Trees because of their symbolism of strength. I help you by my holding hope when you can’t, I help you find the gift in the wound. We identify what your challenges are, when they developed, and when they are the most troublesome to you. I offer helpful techniques based on your particular needs to help identify, cope and understand your problem.  With insight we go into the root of the problem and how we can heal past and present issues to help you resolve the reason you sought therapy. Every client is unique and  the length of therapy is individual depending on your situation and how motivated you are.

I am that person that can listen to you without judgment and allow you to speak even when we feel we can’t put two words together.

I work successfully and confidentially virtually with my clients to feel safe and effective. We all face challenges in our lives and I feel so privileged to witness people obtain their goals through our work together and with skills I provide for you to use.  I take pride that I went to a college where multi- cultural awareness and sensitivity are major considerations when working with clients. We are not cookie-cutter replicas of each other and my clients feel understood and heard since I take into consideration how our family of origin and personal story has affected our way of thinking, feeling, and behavior. I help you find that strength within you.