About Joan Ledford
I provide trauma-informed counseling for mood and anxiety disorders, grief, and life transitions, helping clients feel supported, understood, and less alone.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and a Nationally Certified Counselor. I have a special interest in supporting individuals and couples navigating life transitions, caregiving, relationship difficulties, death, loss, and grief. When these seasons bring intense stress, anxiety, or what feels like overwhelming life circumstances, it is easy to feel isolated. If excessive worrying, anger management, or feeling down from depression feels too heavy, you don't have to carry it alone.
I offer compassionate, trauma-informed therapy in a safe and supportive space where clients can process loss, emotional pain, and overwhelming experiences at their own pace. I enjoy working a variety of ages, from young adults to seniors. In addition, I have specialized training through Postpartum Support International in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and my background as a former doula and assistant midwife allows me to understand the emotional, physical, and relational complexities surrounding pregnancy, birth, postpartum adjustment, and parenting.
My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with experiential and narrative techniques, including expressive arts and storytelling. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals and families experiencing perinatal grief, miscarriage, stillbirth, postpartum depression and anxiety, parenting stress, and unresolved trauma. I believe perinatal mental health challenges are not limited to mothers, and I strive to create an inclusive space for anyone impacted by the perinatal experience.
I view counseling as a collaborative and healing process—one that helps people gently unpack the stories they carry, gain clarity, and move forward with resilience. I am committed to building trusting therapeutic relationships and helping clients develop practical coping skills for emotional well-being. For clients who desire it, I am happy to integrate faith-based counseling, including prayer and scripture, into our work together.
