Joelle Ellsworth, LLMSW
Grand Valley State University
Pre-License, Therapist,
MSW Intern with Life’s Work Clinic
Sessions offered
My Story
Feel free to take a deep breath. I know your path hasn’t been easy, and I’m truly glad you’re here. Be proud of yourself for getting this far; this first step is often the hardest. My name is Joelle, and I chose to become a therapist because I believe you deserve a life worth living. My goal is to help you ease your suffering and reconnect with the truest version of yourself. You matter, and so do your dreams. I bring a passionate, DBT‐informed approach to our work together, inspired by the way these skills have been personally transformative in my life. I also pull from family systems, Jungian personality theory, and therapeutic use of music and creativity. You don’t have to figure it out alone. If something in my words resonates with you, I welcome you to reach out. I wish you so much healing.
Educational Qualification :
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University. I am currently completing my Master of Social Work at Grand Valley State University, where I am in the final stages of my graduate training. My education has provided a strong foundation in human behavior and mental health, which I continue to expand through advanced coursework, clinical training, and supervised practice at Life’s Work Clinic.
Professional Skills :
My work is grounded in empathy and the life-changing power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. By teaching skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, I help clients restore balance, cultivate self-awareness, and reconnect with their most authentic selves. I also draw from trauma-informed care and family systems theory, and I enjoy incorporating music, creativity, and personality theory to deepen the process of self-discovery.
Achievements :
My greatest achievement has been turning my own healing journey with DBT into a source of strength I now share with clients. At Life’s Work Clinic, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals as they learn new skills, grow in self-awareness, and find hope in the midst of struggle. Each step I take as a pre-licensed therapist reflects both my professional training and my personal commitment to helping others find relief from suffering and begin creating a life worth living.
Areas of Expertise
Joelle works with young adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder. She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma informed care, family systems theory, and creative therapeutic approaches to help clients strengthen emotional regulation, build resilience, and create a life that aligns with their values.
Serving Clients Throughout Michigan
Joelle provides secure telehealth counseling for clients across Michigan. She also supports individuals from Traverse City, Cadillac, Buckley, Lake City, Grayling, Moorestown, Manton, Lake Ann, Kingsley, and Mancelona through convenient telehealth appointments, making compassionate mental health care accessible wherever clients are located.