Joan E. Childs, LCSW is a renowned psychotherapist, inspirational speaker and author. She has been in private practice in South Florida since 1978 specializing in both individual and couple’s therapy. Her books include I HATE THE MAN I LOVE: A Conscious Relationship is Your Key to Success, WHY DID SHE JUMP? My Daughter’s Battle with Bipolar Disorder and THE MYTH OF THE MAIDEN: On Being a Woman.
Joan specializes in couples therapy using many modalities including Encounter-centered Couples Therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy, PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills), as well as many others. She is also an expert in Codependency, Inner Child Work, Original Pain Work and Second Stage Recovery.
After nearly 44 years in private practice healing the wounds of clients who’s lives had been fractured from personal traumas, she has taken her personal and professional knowledge, skills and experience to serve as an inspirational keynote speaker. As a professional speaker specializing in women’s issues, couple and family relationships, self-actualization and grief and loss, she has the qualifications and credibility to impact her audiences and effect positive change.
Joan has appeared on many radio and television shows including Oprah and before live audiences. She produced her own television show, SOLUTIONS to provide education and resources to the community on mental health.
Joan was chosen to be the first affiliate of the John Bradshaw Center in the United States and is a consultant to many corporations, hospitals, universities and academic institutions.
In 2014 she completed a three year Master’s Class training with Hedy Schleifer and received her certification for ENCOUNTER-CENTERED COUPLE’S THERAPY.
LIFE AFTER LOSS: Victim, Survivor or The Phoenix?
On July 2, 1998, her 34-year-old daughter, Pam, leaped to her death from a 15 story window. Pam’s executioner was bipolar disorder. Joan’s personal story resonates with every parent’s worst nightmare. It highlights mental illness, our sub-standard mental health system and the impact it has on families. Her personal tragedy and recovery spawned her desire to become an inspirational keynote professional speaker so she could share her journey with others who suffered the same tragedy. Her mission is to get the stigma and shame out of mental illness as well as provide steps to healing from loss. Joan’s story exemplifies courage, hope, and personal empowerment. Her message changes lives.
Joan’s delivery connects deeply with her audience on an emotional level. Her story resonates with everyone who has ever had a loss; not just the loss of a child, but any loss that disempowers human potentiality and interferes with the quality of life. Everyone suffers adversity in a lifetime. It’s how one handles loss that determines their recovery and outcome.
Joan chose not to be a victim; not even a “survivor”. She made the choice to become a Phoenix, not unlike the mythological bird that rises from the ashes to take the pain and turn it into power. Her message, LIFE AFTER LOSS, addresses all kinds of losses people suffer throughout a lifetime. As an inspirational professional keynote speaker, she empowers her audience to become aware of their choices after grief. Her message is authentic, inspiring and transformational.
JOAN E. CHILDS, LCSW
Tel: (954) 568-1004
Fax: (954) 925-9613
Email: joanechilds@gmail.com
