Jo Laboff , LICSW

Jo Laboff is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington and a Geriatric Mental Health Specialist. Her training combines clinical social work and psychology, and she has worked with adults across the lifespan as a psychotherapist, counselor, and Geriatric Care Manager. Jo supports people facing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, career challenges, anger, sleep problems, low self-esteem, grief, caregiver strain, impulsivity, and other mood-related concerns.

She approaches therapy with optimism and affirmation, believing that most people are already doing their best and that change is possible. Her work draws on clear, practical methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help clients build skills, reframe unhelpful patterns, and strengthen resilience. As a LICSW she is qualified to provide independent clinical social work services in Washington.

Jo’s counseling style is laid-back and supportive. She has been described as compassionate, genuine, a good listener, and as having a good sense of humor. Rather than relying on stigmatizing labels, she focuses on identifying and maximizing each person’s strengths to address current obstacles. Jo aims to meet clients where they are, explore how life experiences shape perception and reaction, and introduce new ways of coping that can lead to more satisfying and meaningful days.

She offers encouragement and practical guidance for those ready to make changes and values a collaborative, respectful therapeutic relationship.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Jo Laboff uses practical, skills-oriented methods that translate well to remote sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and stress-related problems. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes clients' existing strengths and small, attainable steps toward goals, which can be especially helpful for relationship concerns, career challenges, and coping with life changes. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and acceptance practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, supporting work on anger, impulsivity, and mood symptoms.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Jo works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and will adapt techniques or combine approaches to fit what feels most useful. Clients are invited to set goals and to review progress so the plan evolves with their situation.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility limits. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access therapy from home, and choose the communication style that best supports work on stress, grief, relationships, and other concerns.