A woman with long brown hair, wearing a nose ring, earrings, and rings on her fingers, sitting on a beige couch wearing a light blue sweater and blue jeans, smiling at the camera.

Joanna Tahtinen, LGSW

Therapist

Specialties: Life Transitions, Grief, Anxiety, Relationships
Location: Duluth, Telehealth

About Joanna

Joanna has worked in healthcare before her role as a psychotherapist, having broad experience in healing and care for well-being. She earned a Master of Social Work from St. Mary’s University and a bachelor’s degree from The College of St. Scholastica.

Joanna utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach that meets each client where they are in their journey. She draws on modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The focus is on helping clients identify and align themselves with their individual values and goals. Joanna’s previous experience includes supporting older adults who are navigating grief and end-of-life transitions through the use of Life-Review Therapy. She incorporates both mindfulness and trauma-informed care into her work.

Joanna is passionate about supporting teens and adults of all ages through all of life’s transitions. She believes that a judgment-free and collaborative space is key in fostering hope, confidence, and change. Whether you are in the midst of a life transition or experiencing anxiety, grief, or relationship stressors, know that you do not have to carry it alone.

Joanna was born and raised in northern Minnesota and has a deep appreciation for the beautiful lakes and hiking trails that surround the area. Outside of work, she enjoys meditation, reading, playing cribbage with her partner, and weight lifting.

Education

Joanna has the following degrees:

  • Master of Social Work from St. Mary’s University

  • Bachelor’s degree from The College of St. Scholastica

Joanna’s Favorite Resources

  • Waking Up - meditation & mindfulness app (paid membership, though free access can be requested for anyone unable to pay through this link -

    https://app.wakingup.com/scholarship )

  • It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn

  • Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot & Connie Burk

  • What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey