Joanna Illing, MA

Joanna Illing is a Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) currently practicing in San Francisco, California. She works in private practice at You Rule Therapy, where she provides psychotherapy services under supervision within a group practice specializing in harm reduction-based care for substance use and compulsive sexual behavior. Her clinical work emphasizes creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients navigating complex emotional and relational challenges.

Joanna specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals, including clients with ADHD and autism, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. She also has extensive experience supporting couples, including LGBTQ+ partners and relationships where neurodivergence is present. Her therapeutic approach integrates narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused therapy (EFT), allowing her to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each client while fostering emotional connection and resilience.

Before entering the field of mental health, Joanna worked as a software engineer. Over time, she recognized a strong desire to engage more directly with people and contribute to community well-being, which led her to transition into counseling psychology. She completed her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute, where she also served as a peer mentor and affinity group leader, supporting community building and mutual aid initiatives among fellow trainees.

In addition to her clinical training, Joanna is actively involved in advocacy and community engagement. She has participated in public advocacy efforts, including speaking at City Hall in support of mental health funding and resources. Her commitment extends beyond the therapy room, as she works to improve access to mental health care services and support systems, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities.

Looking ahead, Joanna is focused on completing her licensure requirements and continuing to expand her clinical expertise, including advanced training in sex therapy. She aims to establish her own private practice in the future while continuing her work in community mental health, advocacy, and accessible care. Her long-term goal is to build inclusive spaces that promote healing, connection, and equity in mental health services.

• The Wright Institute - M.A. in Counseling Psychology, 2024
• College of Charleston - B.A. in Computer Science, 2013

• Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
• Training in Narrative Therapy and CBT
• Training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Sex Therapy Certification

• Outstanding Student Award, Department of Computer Science College of Charleston, May 2013

• California Board of Behavioral Sciences
• The Wright Institute Alumni / Clinical Training Community
• San Francisco community mental health & advocacy networks

• Community Volunteer, San Francisco Village (Mutual aid and elder support services)
• Peer Mentor and Affinity Group Leader, The Wright Institute
• Founder/Contributor, Wellness Equity Funding Project (supporting early-career clinicians facing systemic barriers to licensure)
• Mental health advocacy (including public testimony at San Francisco City Hall on mental health funding)