Therapist in St. Clair Shores, Michigan,
JoAnne Denison, LMSW

I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from Western Michigan University and my graduate degree in Social Work (MSW) from Wayne State University. I have my certification from the Academy of Social Work (ACSW), certification as a School Social Worker, and licensed as a Social Worker in the State of Michigan (LMSW). General Experience- I have been a clinical social worker for almost 40 years and a School Social Worker for over 20 years. I currently work full time in a middle school as a School Social Worker and part time at LifeStance. I started my career in psychiatric hospitals for children and adolescents. I have experience providing individual and family counseling to children, adolescents, and adults with various emotional and behavioral issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, grief, family issues, ADHD, oppositional disorders, school related issues, and LGBTQ+ issues. I am one of the coordinators for the Gay Straight Alliance group at school, and support LGBTQ+ individuals. I feel I am able to build rapport with individuals and help them feel comfortable enough to open up in order to respond to various therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, family therapy, mindfulness, supportive therapy. My extensive experience in outpatient and inpatient mental health and in the schools, gives me the unique perspective to work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. When I am not working, I enjoy physical activity such as running, bicycling, working out, and playing with our dog. I have competed in several triathlons and running in 5k races. I believe your physical health plays a vital role in your mental health. I also enjoy reading and traveling. As the youngest of seven children I enjoy visiting with siblings and their families who live out of state. I also try to give back through my volunteer work. I volunteer with food distributions for needy families within our school district and with our church. I also volunteer therapy hours through the Give an Hour organization providing military veterans and their families with counseling sessions. I am a volunteer with the Michigan Emergency Preparedness and Response Division through Homeland Security.