You're Looking for Someone Who Actually Gets It
You overthink everything, feel responsible for everyone else's emotions, and carry a lot that's hard to explain. On the surface your life looks fine, but inside, you're stuck and exhausted.
If this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
I'm Joy, and I Understand What You're Carrying
I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing in Fayetteville and by video across New York, Vermont, and Florida.
I work with thoughtful, self-reflective young adults on people pleasing, loneliness, and self-doubt that usually started in the family they grew up in. I welcome older adults carrying the same patterns.
Sessions are active and direct. I follow your pace, and I will tell you when I think we have hit a plateau. Alongside talk therapy I use EMDR and a related eye movement therapy, both of which work with images and sensations rather than retelling the story out loud.
Credentials
MA in Counseling, LMHC
Specializations
Young adult anxiety, family systems, people pleasing, trauma-informed care, transition to independence, EMDR, ART
I was a teacher for 30 years, and I saw how deeply students' personal and family lives shaped their confidence, goals, and sense of self. Many capable young people struggled under the weight of what they were carrying emotionally. Becoming a therapist grew naturally from that experience. I wanted to support young adults in a deeper way, helping them understand themselves, work through family patterns, and build lives that feel like their own.
My personal experiences shape how I show up. I grew up in a home where emotions stayed unspoken and difficult feelings often felt unwelcome, and that experience stayed with me. I care deeply about creating a space where every emotion has room. Clients can show up honestly without pressure to perform or stay positive. Any feeling is allowed here.
How I Work
Therapy with me feels conversational and grounded. I'm warm and personable, and many people feel comfortable quickly. You do not need to show up polished or prepared. Sweatpants are welcome. Big feelings are welcome.
I meet clients where they are. Early sessions focus on building trust and helping you feel at ease. Once that foundation is there, we can gradually explore deeper and more challenging topics.
My approach combines insight with practical support. We explore patterns like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-doubt while building tools for communication, boundaries, and everyday life.
What clients tend to value:
- Deep understanding of family dynamics: 30 years teaching gave me unique insight into how family patterns shape young people
- A focus on high-functioning anxiety: I work with people who look like they have it together on the surface but feel anxious and stuck inside
- Directness with warmth: I share my honest perspective when asked, and use humor when it fits, without ever being harsh
Is This a Good Fit?
I want to help you find the right support, whether that's with me or with someone else better suited to what you need. Here is where my practice fits, and where it doesn't.
This practice is a good fit if you:
- Are looking for outpatient therapy on a regular weekly or biweekly basis
- Want to work on anxiety, self-doubt, family dynamics, sense of self, managing life's transitions, or processing life's events
- Are open to evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, ART, CBT, DBT, as well as strength-based and person-centered
- Feel responsible for everyone else's emotions and unsure who you are outside family expectations
This practice may not be the best fit if you:
- Are under the age of 18
- Are looking primarily for couples therapy as your main treatment
- Are managing an active substance use disorder that needs specialized treatment
- Need a therapist who accepts insurance directly
If we are not the right fit, I am glad to help you think through what might work better. Reaching out costs you nothing.
