Joel Brooks
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
About Joel
“Hidden in what seems like empty space-indeed, like nothing, which is getting more interesting all the time-are the very elements that allow for our existence.” Lawerence M. Krauss, Covering the Universes’ Mass.” Tampa Bay Times.
As a licensed therapist with over four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse personal experiences—from relationship dynamics and identity exploration to managing stress, anxiety, and emotional transitions.
I bring a depth of understanding to working with individuals across various life stages, with particular expertise in addressing communication challenges, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My approach is deeply respectful, client-centered, and designed to honor each person’s unique journey.
My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-understanding, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connections. Whether you’re experiencing workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper personal insights, I’m committed to supporting your path toward healing and self-discovery.
I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and identities, offering a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and develop powerful strategies for personal transformation.
What Joel helps with
- Addictions
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- LGBT
- Parenting issues
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Sleeping disorders
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
Show 71 more areas
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Antisocial personality
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Avoidant personality
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Body image
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Dependent personality
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Eating and food-related issues
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Fertility issues
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Hoarding
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Immigration issues
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Postpartum depression
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Somatization
- Traumatic brain injury
- Trichotillomania
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
How Joel works
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
What clients say
- “Very experienced therapist, thoughtful and caring which has been very helpful in working through difficult situations. Highly recommend.”
- “My therapist, Joel is a great listener and understands the issues that I present to him and gives me tools that better help me through these issues in the future”
- “Joel has been great to work with so far. He has a way of explaining things that makes them click for me in ways they never have before. A few times he’s helped me look at situations or patterns from a completely different perspective, and I’ve walked away understanding myself better than I did going in. I really appreciate how thoughtful, clear, and easy to talk to he is. I’m very glad I found him.”
Show all 15 reviews
- “He has helped me beyond words”
- “Great guy. Listens & talks to you straight up. Like a normal person, but still as a therapist. You don't necessarily feel like your talking to a therapist, but more a really smart 3rd party friend”
- “Joel has literally turned my life around, and all for the better. He listens, helps me to see and hear clearly so that I can set healthy boundaries, learn about my weaknesses and become a happier, more centered person. I'm blessed to have him as my therapist!”
- “Joel is phenomenal. He has been helping me for over 3 years now and I am beyond grateful. We set goals, he is kind and empathetic. I highly recommend him and BetterHelp to everyone I know.”
- “Joel is great!!!”
- “I came to Joel during a very difficult time, and after my faith in therapy had been tested by a previous ineffective experience. He restored my belief that therapy could help. He's kind and relatable and non-judgmental, and I will carry many of his insights with me for a long time.”
- “He is a great therapist who truly listens to me and understands my issues”
- “I’ve had a really positive experience working with Joel. I truly appreciate his approach—he offers thoughtful, direct guidance without trying to lead me to a specific answer, which has helped me develop my own clarity and confidence in decision-making.<br /> <br /> I look forward to our sessions each week and feel a strong sense of trust in his experience and perspective. He’s created a space where I feel supported but also challenged in a productive way. Overall, working with him has been incredibly helpful, and I’ve seen meaningful progress as a result.”
- “Joel is a wonderful, thoughtful and experienced therapist. I am grateful for his knowledge and expertise.”
- “Joel has been talking with me for quite some time. He has always helped me to stay present in the moment and regard patience. These are challenges for me along with other things.”
- “Joel is a great guy, always willing to listen, and let you ramble if needed. But corrects politely & redirects to a healthier way of thinking & typically problem solving as to why you may be stuck on a one way train of thoughts.”
- “Incredible therapist. I’m so lucky to have found him. His perspective is always so thought provoking and never judges the situation but focusses on my best path through the situation. Really enjoy working with him.”
These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.
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