Finding Hope and Freedom
Joel brings a wealth of expertise as a Registered Clinical Mental Health Intern (IMH23026) and a National Certified Counselor. His passion for helping others shines through his experience, including counseling in the Drug Court Program for the State of Florida, Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court, during his practicum and internship while completing his degree from Liberty Universtiy.
Joel stands out as a Trauma Professional, equipped with extensive training in evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal Theory, Brainspotting, Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, and Image Transformations Therapy. Guided by seasoned supervisors John Robert Goss (MH3707) and Stephen Thomas Edwards II (MT1552), Joel is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to those seeking support on their journey to healing and well-being. Explore how Joel's expertise can empower you to reach your life goals and live a life of freedom. Joel only sees clients 18 years and older.
To schedule an appointment with Joel, contact Lifebuilders Christian Counseling Center of Brandon Florida - +1-813-438-5949
Life Issues
Anger
Anxiety/Stress
Chronic Pain
Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
Personality Disorders
Porn/Sex Addiction
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Substance Use/ Addictions
Trauma
Modality of Treatment
In recent years there have been advancements in mental health treatments that provide more consistent outcomes and help clients to experience a meaningful life. New therapies take advantage of recent developments in neurobiology. Four such methods of therapy are Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Brainspotting, and Image Transformation Therapy. These therapies are foundational to the methods Joel uses when working with clients.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Welcome to Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transformative approach developed by Steven Hayes in the late 1980s. Unlike traditional treatments, ACT acknowledges the challenges inherent in life while emphasizing the possibility of finding meaning amidst adversity. Grounded in cutting-edge research on the brain-body connection, ACT offers a brief yet impactful therapy experience.
ACT is distinguished by its focus on equipping clients with practical skills to become their own therapists. You are the expert of your own experience, and in collaboration with Joel as your guide, you'll learn invaluable tools to empower yourself towards a more meaningful life. Central to ACT is the pursuit of personal values, guiding individuals to transcend emotional struggles and embrace creativity and productivity.
Image Transformation Therapy
Welcome to a transformative approach to healing trauma through Image Transformation Therapy (ITT), pioneered by Dr. Robert Miller, PhD. Designed specifically for individuals navigating the complexities of trauma, ITT offers a unique path towards healing and empowerment.
Dr. Miller's method harnesses the power of imagery to facilitate profound shifts in perception, allowing clients to release the pain or terror of the traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. By tapping into the mind's innate capacity for imagery and symbolism, ITT offers a holistic approach to healing trauma, addressing not only the psychological but also the emotional and somatic dimensions of distress. If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation, Joel invites you to explore the possibilities of Image Transformation Therapy.
Brainspotting
Trauma is a common cause of psychological issues, and as we learn more about how the brain processes memory and emotions, more effective brain-based treatments have been developed. Brainspotting is a therapy derived from Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2003. Brainspotting has proven beneficial in helping clients find relief from past traumas, grief, anxiety, blocks in creativity, substance abuse, porn addictions, eating disorders, and many other issues.
“Where you look affects how you feel.”
David Grand, Ph.D
Brainspotting embraces a principle of uncertainty in the clinical encounter, acknowledging the vast terrain hidden in the depths of the human brain. Neuroscientists report over one quadrillion connections in the human brain, more than the number of known stars in the universe! Joel will work in the "here and now" with whatever you bring up in session. This process will help access the subcortical parts of their brain-body systems by locating relevant Brainspots on which the clients hold their gaze in the service of healing past traumas. www.brainspotting.com.
Polyvagal Therapy
The Polyvagal Theory, pioneered by Dr. Stephen Porges, offers profound insights into the mind-body connection and the role of the autonomic nervous system in shaping our responses to stress and trauma. In your sessions, Joel will leverage this theory to help you understand your nervous system's responses and develop strategies to regulate them effectively. By recognizing the interplay between the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal systems, he will empower you to cultivate resilience, restore a sense of safety, and foster healthier relationships.
Joel will tailor the therapeutic interventions to align with the principles of Polyvagal Theory, creating a safe and nurturing environment for healing and growth. Through techniques such as breathwork, mindfulness, body awareness, and somatic experiencing, he will assist you in regulating your nervous system responses and accessing your innate capacity for self-regulation and connection, and support you in your journey towards greater well-being and emotional flourishing.