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- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Client-centred approach
- Cross-cultural experience
About Joel
ACA counsellor Joel McNamara has four years of clinical experience in Australia working with stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, depression and ADHD. He focuses on helping people change how they relate to unwanted behaviours and symptoms. Joel describes his work as collaborative and practical.
Joel frames therapy as a form of exploratory communication between a counsellor and the person seeking help. He works to clarify problems, uncover the wants behind them, and build concrete steps toward a more valued life. Sessions often include talking, planning and behavioural experiments tailored to the person's context.
His practice is person-centred and draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Narrative Therapy. He also uses attachment-based ideas to understand relationship patterns. Joel mentions using body- and nervous-system-focused techniques to help with emotional and behavioural regulation.
Joel has a history of working cross-culturally and a particular interest in supporting young adults and men’s mental health. He says he is motivated to support people who are curious about what matters to them and what a valued life might look like.
In day-to-day sessions clients can expect clear aims, occasional homework or experiments, and an emphasis on linking insight to action. He encourages people to define practical goals and to test small changes between sessions. This approach is aimed at making changes sustainable over time.
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Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that reflect their values. It is often used for anxiety, depression and behaviour change by teaching practical skills to act despite difficult thoughts or feelings.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on linking thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It involves identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviours, which can be useful for anxiety, low mood and some addictive patterns.
Joel approaches planning therapy collaboratively and will work with each person to find the best mix of methods. He discusses goals, preferences and practical needs, then tests approaches and adjusts them based on what helps most.
If you are considering sessions online, confirm the current session formats before booking since the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around daily life, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and avoid travel time. Practical matters such as whether to use video or phone can be decided in the first contact so sessions suit your routine and circumstances.
Sheet 3
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Sheet 4
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, depression and ADHD. Additional areas include relationship patterns, caregiving stress, chronic health issues and fatherhood concerns.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a person-centred style that combines ACT, CBT and narrative approaches. Sessions mix conversation, practical planning and behavioural work.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years of clinical experience working in Australia. His work includes cross-cultural practice and a focus on young adults and men’s mental health.
What are his credentials and location?
He is listed as ACA which stands for the Australian Counselling Association, and he practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Specific pricing is provided during the booking process.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.