Joe Shepherd
Joe Shepherd
(he/him)
Hi, I'm Joe and I'm glad you're here! I help people navigate trauma, anxiety, and the messy emotional layers that often don't have easy answers. My style blends neuroscience with down-to-earth strategies—like vagal toning, grounding practices, and reframing sticky thought patterns—so clients can feel more regulated and connected to themselves. Therapy with me is part science, part soul. We’ll tune into how your nervous system responds, get curious about the beliefs that keep you stuck, and build tools that make emotional resilience feel real and doable. Whether it’s exploring attachment wounds or learning how to find calm in chaos, I tailor everything to your unique rhythm.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Here’s what you can expect in our first session: It’s all about getting to know you—where you’re at in life, what’s brought you to therapy right now, and the story that’s shaped you. We’ll talk about what you’re hoping to get out of therapy and start identifying some goals together. I offer a space that’s warm, supportive, and safe—a place where it’s okay to bring the tough stuff and talk through the things that might feel too heavy anywhere else. You don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll take it one step at a time and build a rhythm that works for you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I get it—starting therapy can feel intimidating. You’re showing up vulnerable, maybe unsure, and that takes real courage. My biggest strength is meeting you exactly where you are, without judgment. I work hard to create a space where you feel truly heard and supported—but I’ll also gently challenge you when it’s time to grow. I’m big on building a strong connection, because trust is everything in this process. I’m compassionate, down-to-earth, and here to help you figure things out—whether it’s managing emotions, working through trauma, or just having someone to talk to when things feel heavy.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with adults who are ready to dig into the tough stuff—whether it's learning new coping skills, processing past experiences, or just figuring out how to manage day-to-day emotions. Sometimes you just need someone to vent to, and I'm here for that too. Most of the people I work with are looking to grow—not just in therapy, but in their everyday lives. I’m big on giving practical tools and homework, because let’s be real... growth isn’t an overnight thing. Together, we’ll figure out what works for you, find your rhythm, and make some solid changes—at your pace.
About Joe Shepherd
Joe Shepherd offers therapy covered by Managed Health Services (Managed Medicaid), Medicaid - Managed Health Services and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Indiana.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and understand their negative thought patterns. We explore how these thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, then work together to challenge and reframe them. To reinforce learning and promote progress between sessions, I often assign homework tasks. These exercises help clients practice new skills, test out alternative thinking patterns, and build more balanced and positive ways of thinking. Over time, this collaborative process empowers clients to take more control over their emotional responses and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I integrate mindfulness techniques such as meditation, reflection, journaling, and deep breathing into my practice to help clients develop greater awareness and presence. These practices allow clients to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the moment without judgment, fostering a sense of calm and self-acceptance. Meditation helps center the mind, while journaling and reflection encourage deeper self-awareness and insight. Deep breathing techniques are often used to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. Together, these mindfulness tools help clients improve emotional regulation, manage stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Polyvagal Therapy
I am also a Polyvagal informed therapist, which helps clients understand how their nervous system responds to stress, trauma, and emotional challenges. By focusing on the autonomic nervous system, we explore how safety and connection influence emotional regulation. I guide clients through techniques that promote activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which fosters calm and safety. This may include breathwork, gentle movement, or grounding exercises designed to help clients move from states of stress or shutdown into a more balanced and regulated state. Polyvagal Therapy allows clients to build greater resilience, improve emotional responses, and feel more in control of their nervous system.