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 am a trauma-informed therapist. 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND IT’S AFFECT ON OUR MENTAL STATE AND BURN-OUT

It is not surprising that since the Pandemic that our economic, political, social and health environment has been of great concern and affecting people’s lives in unhealthy ways. In therapy it is presenting itself with increased anxiety, loneliness, depression, isolation and burn-out. I am seeing its affect with both individuals and couples trying to navigate so much change. The world changed after the pandemic and we are just seeing the after effects. Social Media, once hailed as a revolutionary tool for connection and communication, has increasingly became breeding ground for cruelty, nastiness and depression. While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for sharing and interacting, they also provide a mask of anonymity and distance that often brings out the worst in human behavior. This phenomenon often referred as “online disinhibition effect” allows users to shed their social constraints and act out in ways that are more aggressive, hostile and harmful. The rapid pace of social media interaction fosters a culture of instant gratification and quick, attention-grabbing remarks. The desire for likes, shares, retweets, can drive users to post inflammatory and hurtful comments to gain visibility and validation, perpetuating the cycle of cruelty The toxic environment fostered by social media can have severe consequences for mental health. Constant exposure to negativity, criticism, and cyberbullying can lead to feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown a strong correlation between heavy social media use and increased rates of depression especially among young adults.

As a relationship and couples therapist I am seeing many people that are re-evaluated their lives, jobs, marriages, relationships and the meaning of life. Individuals are confronting more exposure to traumas in life, everyone experiences some kind of trauma and each deals with it differently. A need to talk with a professional health care person is needed more then ever. As we entered the “new normal” recent research surveys noted that family, friends, and relationships are the main source of life’s meaning. The social distancing during the pandemic has continued to affect many people that have not re-connected with people as they use to or continue to work from home. The number of couples seeking therapy has been growing as they come to the realizations of wanting something different then when they first met or the couple not growing together. Through the ages, this is not an uncommon issue in marriages but now we see only the “good” of others relationships and nobody see’s the realty of relationships on social media. Relationships take work, we need work individually and with others. 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.

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 will 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.