About Joana Couto
It never fails to amaze me how truly resilient people are.
I feel truly honored to walk alongside my clients on their journey of improving and building a more fulfilling life.
I have a warm, nonjudgmental, creative, and integrative style.
Often, we may find it difficult to express what we are experiencing. I’ve found that giving clients multiple ways to express themselves such as through sand play therapy, expressive art techniques, or other prompts & activities may help us to find the words we are looking for.
I draw from a variety of techniques, including S.M.A.R.T. goal planning, self-compassion practices, acceptance & commitment strategies, and progressive muscle relaxation among others. Our work together is tailered to you. You are always in the driver’s seat—choosing the tools and skills that resonate most with your needs and goals. I believe therapy is a collaborative process.
Experience
Penn Medicine Princeton House, Moorestown NJ
In 2018, I interned in the Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient on their Adult Co-Occurring/Dual Diagnosis track. There I lead psychoeducational, process, and activity open groups.
The College of New Jersey
Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) / Mental Health Services
From 2018-2019 I interned at TCNJ CAPS. I worked with college students through individual and group therapy. I co-facilitated an Art Techniques group and a group called Perfectly Imperfect.
Other related experiences:
Fieldwork in Foster Care
Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute (LMTI)
From 2010-2015 I participated and volunteered at LMTI. Read more about their mission here.
Through Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP): Foster Care Counseling Project I mentored and transported children in the foster care system to counseling sessions from 2014-2015.
Teaching Experience
First Year Interest Group Peer Instructor at Rutgers University: Psychology
Adjunct Professor at Middlesex County College
Psychology of Women
Adjunct Professor at Union County College
General Psychology
Personality Psychology
A swim instructor for 12+ years student age range from 6 months to 72! American Red Cross Certified
Adjunct Professor at The College of New Jersey’s Masters Counselor Education Program
Introduction to Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling and Therapy
Multicultural Counseling
Practicum & Internship Seminar
Group Counseling
On campus supervisor
Trainings
Sand Play Therapy
I have been trained in Sand Play Therapy at Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center.
I began training and supervision in 2017 and completed in March 2020!
Sand Play Therapy is grounded in Jungian and Play therapy theory.
Trained by Gretchen Morgan, LCSW & Mary Pat McGeehin, LCSW.
A RESEARCH-BASED APPROACH TO RELATIONSHIPS
Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Participated in this training in 2018 through the Gottman Institute at TCNJ.
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
I participated in an Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Externship training in 2018.
Trained by Debi Scimeca-Diaz, LMFT
More info here.
Reiki Level 1 Training
Completed Level 1 Training March 13th, 2020. Trained by Kyla Niewinski LMT, White Light Reiki Master, Owner and Creator of IAM Center of Healing LLC.
Yoga
I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200 hours) specializing in restorative yoga. I believe in using adjustments and props to meet your body where it is today.
Yoga is for Every Body.