Hi! I’m Jo-Anne Ballard, a neurodivergent, LGBQ+ affirming, and trauma-informed therapist with

specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). My mission is to help individuals live

happier, healthier lives by building on their strengths and creating meaningful, lasting change.

I bring extensive experience working with children and adolescents and also support adults navigating

life transitions, anxiety, trauma, identity development, and emotional challenges. My goal is always to

help clients tap into their own resilience and inner resources. I strive to cultivate strong therapeutic

relationships and create a compassionate, supportive environment where clients feel genuinely seen,

safe, and understood.

My work has been deeply shaped by the strengths and insights of neurodivergent individuals, which

led me to specialize in supporting Autistic clients. I am certified in Pathological Demand Avoidance

(PDA) and utilize a neurodiversity-affirming approach that honors each person’s unique abilities,

communication styles, and sensory needs. I believe the Autistic neurotype possesses incredible

strengths, and I help clients identify these qualities as they move toward meaningful personal goals.

I am also passionate about providing affirming, accessible mental health care to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Many people in the community face barriers to supportive treatment, and I am committed to offering

a safe, inclusive space to process identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.

My therapeutic approach is individualized and integrative, drawing from a wide range of evidence-

based modalities including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and anxiety disorders

and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help caregivers support anxious

children. I also incorporate Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral

Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Social Skills Training, Animal-Assisted

Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). These approaches

help clients build emotional flexibility, develop effective coping strategies, and strengthen their sense

of empowerment. I am actively collaborative in treatment, regularly monitoring progress and

involving caregivers when appropriate to support growth outside the therapy space.

I hold a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Healthcare from the

University of South Florida (USF).