Joan Schneider, MS, LCSW

About

This is a massive step for anyone who needs a listening ear! I can be that listening ear. I am a "seasoned professional" with 30+ years of experience.

I am the person who is witnessing your telling your story with an open, nonjudgmental mind and a caring heart.

My clients say that they feel heard when I'm sitting with them.

I get the honor of observing and validating your story which is invaluable to your recovery!

I am skilled in recovering from grief and bereavement, depression, stress, and anxiety. I also specialize in recovering from addictions, abuse recovery, and PTSD.

I work with Adults and Seniors. I also work with individuals who are chronically and/or terminally ill.

Everyone suffers! I can help you understand the causes of your suffering and how to live a life without suffering. This is a transformational process, helping you become who you want to be

In my years of experience, the wisdom that I have gained, and who I have become, makes me an experienced therapist with atypical practices that most other therapists don't do.

This is why I stand out!

I love being a therapist!

Being able to walk with you is a humbling experience. Helping you address the "hard stuff" is a path of learning to trust. I am so appreciative when clients learn that I am a trustworthy person and that they are safe to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings.

I am a kind, loving, authentic woman with a gentle spirit and a caring heart. Helping you accept who you have become without shame, looking at your values and beliefs, and helping you evolve into the person you want to be is a joyful experience! I'm honored that I've been invited to be a participant in your transformation.

Clients tell me that I am a different kind of therapist. I take great pride in that type of comment. To me, it means I'm doing the job that I love, being my authentic self, and my clients value my skills.

I love being a creative problem solver. Every time you leave a session with me, you will walk out with a "food for thought" note. It includes the talking points of your session, my feedback, some ideas, activities, and challenges to contemplate between sessions.

My clients find these notes very helpful guideposts and come back to the next session with their experiences and ready to work!

My clients say they have never been with a therapist who does this. I appreciate their candor with me!

I can help you open your heart, find your voice, and see the beauty in your soul.

Clients say that I am empathetic, genuine, compassionate, and supportive. I am passionate, and authentic while helping you become mindful, present, and passionate in your own life. I can help you heal from your story and create a life concurrent with your values.

I have been a therapist for over 30 years. I trust that nobody crosses "my threshold" by mistake. People seek me out when they are ready to do "their work" and I get the pleasure of walking with them.

Theoretic constructs that I use include CBT, Psychodynamic perspectives, Art Therapy, and Client-Centered Psychotherapy!

These are a few reasons why I still love being a therapist!

Highlights

Hired 11 times

1 employee

40 years in business

Serves Indianapolis , IN

Payment methods

Cash

Photos and videos

Reviews

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Joyce C.

Joan has been a blessing. Early in 2023, I needed a professional to talk to about overcoming grief and guilt from several unexpected deaths in my family. I interviewed several counselors and chose Joan. That was six months ago. Early on Joan helped me see that I had a drinking problem that was interfering with me being fully “here”. Since seeing Joan on a weekly basis many issues and problems have come up and I have been learning to deal with them. I feel like I can say things about myself in Joan’s care and not be judged. It feels safe in her office. Joan’s age and life experience are a plus.

The level of care Joan gives is high. I believe she really does care and is focused on the issues at hand in every session. She invites me to discuss whatever is on my mind and doesn’t try to steer the conversation. I really appreciate that she doesn’t overbook herself such that she allows a few extra minutes in sessions if there is a need. She has a way of queuing at the end of the session that doesn’t feel like being booted out the door. She takes notes on a note card during the session with specific points to work on the following week and she gives a notecard to take home at the end of each session. I have found the notecards very useful to periodically look through and review certain topics when needed. Overall, my experience with Joan has helped me a lot.

August 09, 2023

•Hired on Thervo

Lydia H.

Joan has been caring, attentive, and continued to check in on my well being while I decided on a therapist. I’m happy I’ll get to meet with her soon.

April 25, 2020

Denise R.

Joan is very compassionate yet very tough. She is very insightful and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She creates a safe space with her presence to allow feelings and thoughts to flow without judgement. She has helped me a tremendously.

March 12, 2020

Mary W.

I think one of the things that sets Joan apart from the other therapists I have worked with is that she never judges. As we work through things together, I have always felt completely safe in confiding things that I could never say before to anyone else. That is what has made it possible to make the breakthroughs that I have made.

Joan also always makes time for important conversations and is willing to allow a session to run long because she is careful never to schedule clients back to back.

And I love that she always provides a list of important things from the session and includes things to think about or work on. As far as I know, she is the only therapist who does that.

I really consider myself fortunate to have found Joan after two pretty unsuccessful engagements with other therapists. I appreciate her life experience in the way that it shapes her therapeutic approach.

March 03, 2020

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

When a client calls me, I take a few minutes to understand what they are seeking. Once I have established that I have experience in that area, I will set up their first session which is 60-90 minutes. Sessions thereafter are 60 minutes. I'll schedule an appointment, give them directions, and let the new client know that I'm looking forward to meeting them. If I don't have the expertise they are looking for, I will suggest several alternatives and often will follow up with them to make sure they have found what they are looking for. I think that is my ethical responsibility since they called me to look for help!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

My B.S. is from the University of Cincinnati, Special Education of Multi-Handicapped Hearing Impaired Children grades K-8th. My M.S. is from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rehabilitation Psychology, with a specialty in the Psycho-Social Aspects of Spinal Cord Injured Adults. My minor was in social work. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1984. I have taught on the corporate and college level and consulted with non-profit and for-profit organizations. I have been a keynote speaker at multiple mental health and chemical dependency conferences throughout the United States. Recordings of my keynotes were available to purchase and were sold nationally.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.

I see clients for 90 minutes in their first appointment and 60 minutes thereafter. I charge $100.00 per session and I ask to be paid in cash. If you want to bill your insurance, I will give you a monthly statement that you can send to your insurance company or your Health Savings Account. I will complete any additional insurance paperwork as needed.

How did you get started in this business?

I've always wanted to help people. I was a Girl Scout, a Candy Stripper, and volunteered in a children's wing in a hospital. After receiving my BS from the University of Cincinnati, I moved to Louisville to teach Special Education to Hearing-Impaired Multi-Handicapped children. I then realized I wanted a Masters's Degree in Social Work. After completing my Master's at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, my husband and I moved to Indianapolis. Indy is my home. I have loved watching the city grow up and develop a skyline! I was in the first group of professionals hired by St. Vincent Stress Center in their Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Hospice Units. While working there, I realized I wanted to start a Private Practice.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Today I work primarily with young adults to seniors. I work with many types of disorders, though I'm probably most recognized in my work with abuse recovery, anxiety and depression, PTSD, addictions, and grief and bereavement. I've always believed that nobody crosses my threshold by mistake. We are supposed to work together which is why our paths have crossed!

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

During COVID, I had the opportunity to change the type of volunteer work I do at the pantry I work in. The work this pantry does continues to inspire me today! The number of families needing assistance had increased by almost 50% to serving 800+ families each week. The church members and other volunteers I work with are kind, caring, and thoughtful individuals I'm proud to work beside. I'm grateful when I have the opportunity to serve others.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?

In seeking a therapist, I think any question the client has, needs to be addressed before the initial appointment! In seeking a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, here are a few sample questions. What are your specialty areas and what is your experience in those areas that make them a specialty? What are the ages of your clients? Is the therapist comfortable working with the LGBTQ community? Is the therapist comfortable working with different ethnic individuals, or talking about religion/spirituality? Does the therapist understand systemic racism, equanimity, white male supremacy, and the glass ceiling? How do you want to be paid? Do you take charge cards, checks, or would you prefer cash? Will you accept my co-payment and let the insurance company pay you the remainder? Do I have to pay at each session or will you bill me? What COVID-19 procedures do you follow? Are you vaccinated and have you received the booster? Do you require your clients to be masked? Where is your office? How do you maintain confidentiality? Do you have pets?

What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?

What is going on in my life that makes me unhappy and what is increasing my suffering? Is this a new issue? Did something specific happen that has caused this pain or is this an unresolved issue from my past? Is there anything I'm unwilling to talk about initially or until I feel safe? Am I working with an ethical professional who won't shame me? Is she willing to be honest?

Services offered

Therapy

Relationship Counseling

Alternative Healing

Joan Schneider, MS, LCSW

About

Highlights

Payment methods

Photos and videos

Reviews

Joyce C.

Lydia H.

Denise R.

Mary W.

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.

How did you get started in this business?

What types of customers have you worked with?

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?

What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?

Services offered

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