LMHC, 36 years of experience
I am a licensed mental health counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Autism Specialist with 36 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health. My extensive background allows me to provide comprehensive support to individuals of all ages. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Animal Assisted Therapy, Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Trauma-Informed Counseling. These diverse and evidence-based methods allow me to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, helping them heal, grow, and build resilience.
The first counseling session, one can expect to begin building a trusting relationship where we will discuss your concerns, goals, and what has brought you to therapy. We will take some time to explore your history, background, and challenges you currently face. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the therapeutic process, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed moving forward.
As a mental health counselor, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to deeply empathize with my clients, offering a safe and understanding space where clients can feel heard and supported. I provide encouragement throughout the therapeutic journey, helping clients stay motivated and hopeful even during difficult times. I strive to connect with clients in a way that makes them feel understood, while also being competent and knowledgeable in the methods and strategies I use. I approach each individual with care and a genuine desire to help them heal and grow.
I am particularly dedicated to working with neurodivergent population and their families, offering specialized strategies and support tailored to each individual's unique needs. The clients I am best positioned to serve would be those needing help navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, autism, behavioral concerns, attachment disruptions and trauma.
My experience with CBT principles is that it empowers individuals to become more aware of their thought patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and implement practical strategies to improve mental well-being.
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a powerful therapeutic tool to help individuals process traumatic memories and distressing events. This approach is especially effective in treating anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma-related issues enabling clients to move forward with greater emotional clarity and resilience.
In my practice, I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help identify and build on your strengths, focusing on solutions rather than problems. This approach is collaborative, empowering you to find your own solutions and make meaningful progress.
In my practice, I incorporate Play Therapy as a powerful treatment method that encourages a natural form of communication. Play Therapy allows children and adolescents to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a safe environment. This process may include activities like drawing, role-playing and games, to help process difficult emotions, build coping skills, and develop healthier ways to interact with others. Play Therapy is also effective for addressing trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, and social challenges in a non-threatening way to explore and heal.
I use Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to support the emotional and relational well being of both children and their parents. This is an evidenced based approach that focuses on strengthening the bond between parents and children, particularly when there has been trauma, stress, or attachment disruptions.
7 ratings with written reviews
July 21, 2025
Ms Joella knows the right things to say or ask to help me figure out why I feel that way I feel and reassures to me that everything is going to be Ohk… I’m not open minded on things yet stepping into the sense of me and my peace if very important to me… She has helped me find that and define it to the fullest
July 9, 2025
Very good, helped me in so many ways just by the first day
June 9, 2025
I was nervous at first and started crying before I started talking bt I loved my first session… It was easy to open up and Ms Joella is AMAZING !! 🤗