Welcome. I’m Joanna Robinson. In my 30 years of counseling individuals, couples, & families, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including a college campus (Pacific Lutheran University), social service agencies, hospitals, and churches. Since 2007 I’ve practiced as a Jungian-oriented therapist through Soul Care Psychotherapy. Soul Care is an affiliate of Pacific Pastoral Counseling Service.
I feel called to help people find meaning, purpose, grace, and creative expression for their deepest and truest self. My early influences as a therapist came from the “depth models” of psychotherapy. Jungian Psychology and Object Relations Theory, and other forms of “parts work” have been particularly important to me. It is often the “real life issues” that bring a person into therapy: depression, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, abuse, relationship problems, vocational dissatisfaction. When these issues are addressed from a depth perspective, healing is often more profound and lasting. I also use a Family Systems model to expand my understanding of all of my clients. I often use mindfulness practices to help clients manage their symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, or trauma. Mindfulness practices might include breath-work, imagery, simple movements, meditation, setting an intention, or affirmations.
My Master of Education in Counseling was through the University of Puget Sound. The program included a 2-year internship that guided me on my professional journey of integrating various models of therapy. This training, along with a 4-year theological and pastoral degree (M.Div.), led me to a way of practicing that deeply honors the spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, and social dimensions of human life.
Many of my clients come in to deal with the effects of anxiety and trauma. I’m a certified Brainspotting therapist and Brainspotting Consultant. Brainspotting is a brain-based, somatic treatment for trauma, anxiety, PTSD, creativity & performance enhancement. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Like Brainspotting, EMDR is a therapy that enables people to heal from everyday anxiety-related issues, as well as PTSD from abuse, domestic violence, war trauma, natural disasters, car accidents, and other painful experiences.
When appropriate, I use practices from yoga to assist clients in managing their depression, anxiety, or insomnia, or PTSD. I am trained as a LifeForce Yoga® Practitioner. LifeForce Yoga® methods can be very beneficial for people struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, grief and loss, trauma, self-limiting thoughts, addictions, and other mental, emotional, or physical problems.
Joanna’s Educational Background:
- M.Ed. in Counseling, The University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, August 1994
- 2-Yr Certificate in Pastoral Counseling, Northwest Pastoral Counseling, Tacoma, WA, August 1994
- M.Div., Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN, May 1987
- B.A., Economics, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, May 1983
- 2-Year Program, Jungian Seminar for Professionals, North Pacific Institute for Analytical Psychology, September 2000- June 2002
- Infant Observation, 1-year, The Center for Object Relations, Seattle, Washington, September 1997-August 1998
- EMDR Basic Training, February 6-8, 2009 and March 20-22, 2010
- LifeForce Yoga Practitioner Training,2013-14
- Brainspotting Trainings: Phases 1-4, Master Class, Brainspotting Crocodile Setup for Addictions, From Freeze to Thaw, Multiple Brainspotting Webinars (2019-Present)
- Brainspotting Consultant Training (2022-23)
Joanna’s Professional Affiliations and Credentials
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor #LH00007545, State of Washington
- Certified Brainspotting Therapist www.brainspotting.com
- Brainspotting Consultant
- EMDR Trained Therapist
- LifeForce Yoga® Practitioner
- Member, Jungian Psychotherapists Association (JPA)
- ACPE, Psychotherapist Member
- Ordained Pastor, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Southwestern Washington Synod
- Therapist Associate, Pacific Pastoral Counseling Service