- Stress and anxiety
- Life purpose focus
- CBT and ACT
About Joel
Joel Mackey is an LPCC and LMHC with three years of clinical experience based in California. He works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and coaching around motivation and direction. Joel also focuses on forgiveness, life purpose, post-traumatic stress, self-love, and social anxiety and phobia.
Joel sees people as the experts on their own lives. He listens for what matters and helps clients clarify next steps. Sessions tend to focus on practical skills and clear goals rather than long explanations. He uses straightforward conversation to identify barriers and small changes that can make daily life easier.
His approach draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thinking and on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people act in line with their values. He also uses client-centered methods to keep the conversation grounded in each person’s perspective. For trauma-related concerns, EMDR may be part of the work when appropriate.
Joel aims to make therapy useful for people who feel stuck after a change in work, relationships, or health. He helps clients map priorities, test new behaviors, and notice what shifts. Sessions often include exercises between meetings to build momentum.
To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The practice uses a cancelable subscription for sessions, with costs that vary by location.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice what matters to them and take small steps toward those values. Online sessions using ACT often include exercises to practice between meetings and ways to bring chosen actions into daily life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. In a virtual appointment, CBT work can include worksheets, behavior experiments, and short skills practice during the session. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, is a trauma-focused method that aims to reduce the intensity of distressing memories through guided processing. When EMDR is used it involves paced processing and specific protocols adapted for remote work when appropriate.Picking the approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that match the client’s goals, needs, and preferences. It is common to combine techniques from different approaches and to adjust methods as the work progresses.
Confirm current session formats before booking to know exactly what is offered. Many people find online work easier to fit into a busy week, for example by shortening check-ins or scheduling sessions at times that work with work or caregiving. Remote sessions can reduce travel time and make it simpler to follow through on exercises between appointments. Licensed professionals can explain how a chosen approach will be used and what to expect in the first online meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Washington, California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, depression, and coaching for motivation and direction. He also focuses on forgiveness, life purpose, post-traumatic stress, self-love, and social anxiety and phobia.
How would he describe his therapy style?
He uses plain conversation and practical exercises to clarify goals and test new behaviors. The work emphasizes skills you can use between sessions.
What is his professional background?
He has three years of professional experience and has worked with a range of mood and anxiety concerns. His clinical work includes trauma-informed methods when appropriate.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds LPCC and LMHC credentials and practices in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time, and costs vary with location.
How do I begin a first session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.