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JoAnn Sackett, LCSW

She/Her

 

Reaching out for support takes courage. My hope is that by sharing a bit about myself, you’ll feel more at ease as you decide whether I’m the right fit for you.

 

Hello!

 

I am an LCSW  NJ with 25 years experience in medical and mental health services. By using a strength-based approach to empowerment, productivity and quality of life, together, we will identify and overcome barriers to personal success and healing. I look forward to working with you on the road to your best self.

 

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My Story

Starting with a new therapist can be intimidating. I'd like to share with you a little about myself, to make it a little less like you're talking to stranger!

Challenges I have overcome:

I have faced the challenges of parental conflict and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. I sought counseling to learn how to overcome the seemingly insurmountable barriers to success in life. It seemed that nothing was enough, I was never enough. No matter how many successes I had, it was always my failures that defined me. I didn’t know how to get out of my cycle of self-doubt and insecurities, so I too sought therapy.

My therapy journey lasted about 11 years plus a lot of self-learning, research and building confidence.

 

​I had dropped out of college, so I returned to finish what I started. I even moved on to earn my master’s so I could put my experience and knowledge to good use. I worked really hard and achieved excellent grades. I was part of the National Honor Society, yet I still felt insecure. There was so much I didn’t know, but I persevered and continued to overcome self-doubt, insecurity and fear as I built a career, raised my children, and created a life I love.

Parenting through Mental Health Challenges:

I raised two children with bipolar. One was able to achieve long term emotional stability with cognitive behavioral therapy and determination. I’m very proud of her efforts.

My son, on the other hand had a host of problems in addition to his bipolar and it started in early childhood, if not infancy. It was a fight to get him the help he needed, and I learned the importance of advocacy.

I learned how quickly the world wanted to blame the parents, so they didn’t have to help.

I learned the cost of raising a special needs child when there are few resources to provide assistance.

I learned the value of family and asking for help.

I learned the burden of loneliness when it seemed no one understood my burdens. I faced the fear and stigma of psychiatric hospitalization.

I learned the value of friendship from those who stood by my side and supported me through the toughest times.

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Having lived through these experiences, I made a promise to help others facing similar challenges.

Medical Challenges and Resilience:

I have worked in medical social work for 25 years. Supporting people in crisis taught me resilience, the power of love and the importance of effective communication.
 

I was partially disabled and had to overcome the fear of failure. I had to fight to get my doctors to listen and not give up on me. I had to learn to plan for the worst even as I continued to fight for my future. Five surgeries later and I was able to walk without pain. I even enjoy dancing!

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I struggled with my weight for many years. At my heaviest, everyday movement was difficult, and depression weighed even more heavily. After weight‑loss surgery, I slowly regained my confidence. As the weight came off, it became easier to connect with others, work toward goals, and invest in my future.

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I learned the difference between the value of material possessions and the value of life when I lost all my belongings and home in a house fire but was grateful when my daughter was able to overcome her, relatively, minor injuries.

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I learned the importance of challenging the status quo when my daughter, yes again, developed a bone tumor in her femur. We had been to the doctor, had MRI’s and was told there was nothing wrong. She walked around on that leg for two years before we learned the tumor had actually broken her bone. She had surgery to remove the tumor with a bone graft and was able to recover. But I learned the heartbreak and devastating fear of having to take your child to Memorial Sloan Kettering Children’s Cancer Center for diagnosis and treatment. I cried the entire day. I learned the strength of family again as my brother quietly stood by my side and was my rock. Luckily it wasn’t cancer and she was able to heal fully. I count my blessings for that every day.
 

My Professional Journey and Specialties

For the past five years, I have worked closely with disabled and geriatric clients in nursing homes, providing comfort, therapy, and education to help them cope with life’s challenges. While I support adults of all ages, I find deep fulfillment in working with older adults and their families. These individuals often face complex medical, emotional, and practical needs, and it is a privilege to offer guidance during some of their most difficult moments.

My work focuses on helping clients and their families navigate:

  • chronic and acute medical conditions

  • disability and recovery

  • depression and anxiety

  • caregiver stress

  • communication challenges

  • major life transitions

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Therapeutic Focus 

My work emphasizes practical tools, emotional support, and clear communication. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, build coping skills, and strengthen confidence so you can feel more in control of your life.

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I use:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Strength‑based practice

  • Empowerment and self‑advocacy

  • Solution‑focused strategies

CBT helps us understand how thoughts and behaviors influence emotions. By increasing self‑awareness and challenging negative patterns, it becomes possible to build resilience and create meaningful change.

How I work

I believe therapy is a tool for growth. Sometimes healing means unlearning old habits and replacing them with healthier, self‑affirming thoughts and behaviors. My goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate space where you can explore challenges, build confidence, and move toward a life that feels grounded and hopeful.

A personal Invitation

For the past two years, I have been building my private practice with the goal of creating a warm, supportive space for healing and growth. I welcome you to take the next step with hope, openness, and the belief that with the right tools and support, you can build a life you love.

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If you’re ready to begin, I invite you to schedule a free 15‑minute “get to know me” appointment. Together, we can start your journey toward strength, clarity, and emotional well‑being.

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I look forward to supporting you as you build your best life.

Education and Certifications

Licensed Therapist

2000-Present

Graduated with Master's Degree

Kean University

2000

In Network Insurances

Cigna/ Evernorth Behavioral Health

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