Meet Joel

I am a son, the youngest of three boys, a husband, a friend, and a 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 and spending time with my wife. 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.

A young man smiles standing on a boat deck with mountains and water in the 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.

A man wearing glasses and a backward cap standing on a beach during sunset, with people in the background, a pier extending into the ocean, and a seagull flying overhead.

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.

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, their lowest lows, and everything in between.

A beach at sunset with soft pink and orange hues in the sky, gentle waves lapping the shoreline, and footprints in the sand leading towards the water.

My Additional Trainings

Working with Autistic Clients: Foundations of a Neurological-affirming Practice (2026). A 2-hour live training with Oralie Loong, RCC & Dr. Julianne Dmyterko, PhD. Sponsored by the BCACC, Live Online, February 20.

Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training for Couples (2025). A self-paced online training by Prepare/Enrich for certification in facilitating the Prepare/Enrich assessment to help couples build strong marriages and resilient relationships. Completed on February 20.

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) IMMERSION Level 1 (2024). A 33-hour training with Jerry Lamagna, LCSW. Sponsored by the AEDP Institute, Live Online, September 5-9.

Neufeld Institute Intensive 1: Making Sense of Kids (2024). 45-hours of live training with Tamara Strijack and Tracy Azevedo. Neufeld Institute, April-August.

Gottman Level 1 Certification (2024). A 12-hour training for couple’s therapy from a Gottman Theory perspective. Gottman Institute, Online, April-May.

Master the EFT Tango (2024). A one-day, 7-hour workshop with Dr. Herman Chow, DMin, RMFT. Sponsored by CAMFT, Live Online, March 23.

AEDP in Action Training: Moving Through Emotional Suffering into Transformational Change (2024). A two-day, 16-hour live workshop with Dr. Richard Harrison, PhD. Sponsored by Burnaby Counselling Group, Vancouver, BC, January 12-13.

Intro to AEDP Lecture (2024). A two-hour training with Goretti Faria, MSW, RCSW, CCC. Sponsored by Burnaby Counselling Group, Live Online, January 8.

Hospice Visiting Volunteer Training (2022). 30 hours of live training over multiple evenings and weekends with Lana Cummings (Hospice Manager) and Sue Graham (Assistant Volunteer Coordinator). Sponsored by Crossroads Hospice Society, Port Moody, BC.

Understanding Abuse in Relationships Training (2017). A two-day, 16-hour live workshop with Karen McAndless-Davis. Sponsored by End Abuse Program, Mennonite Central Committee, Abbotsford, BC, March 10-11.

Contact Me

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. Looking forward to hearing from you!


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