Meet Joel
I am a son, the youngest of three boys, a husband, a friend, and registered clinical counsellor with mixed Chilean, Hungarian, and British ancestry. I was born and raised in Surrey, BC on the traditional and unceded shared territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations, part of the Coast Salish peoples, and home to the Surrey-Delta Métis Association.
I absolutely love being by the ocean, I enjoy all sports, good coffee, movies, sitting around a fire sharing stories, celebrating at large family gatherings, and connecting vulnerably with people from any background.
My Journey
My journey towards becoming a therapist was a bit unorthodox. I never thought I would take this path, especially because both my mom and older brother were therapists. However, over the last 10 years I have experienced many seasons of chronic pain and depression and have learned what it means to feel utterly broken physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Because of these trials, I have grown a deep empathy for those who find themselves in a similar place and I have felt compelled to come alongside youth and adult individuals, couples, and families who are suffering, in any capacity. It also helps that my favourite thing to do is be with people and I believe that when they open up their hearts to me, it is the greatest honour.
My Approach
I try to steward clients’ vulnerability by specifically drawing upon Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Satir. These attachment-based, trauma-informed approaches help me have a holistic view of what it means to be human and create an environment where it is safe to be one’s authentic self. I long for my clients to understand on a deep level that I am genuinely in their corner and that change is always possible. By being curious and courageous together, self-exploration, shift, and healing can be within reach.
On a practical note, when you book an individual session, you will notice that I provide 60-minute sessions, not 50-minute sessions like you will see with most mental health practitioners. I believe that if you are paying for an hour of my time, you should get a full hour of my time and my hope is that you will never feel rushed. I also believe that you are simply paying for my time, you get my interest for free! There’s nothing I enjoy more than being with folks during their highest highs and their lowest lows.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!