Michael Joy

Great to meet you! I welcome clients at any point in their journey and believe therapy is most effective when it is individualized to each person’s needs, experiences, and goals.

I decided to become a therapist because I know firsthand how meaningful therapy can be. I began therapy as a teenager, and that experience shaped my desire to support others through their own challenges. I have worked with adolescents throughout all 12 years of my career, including an internship within a school system and experience in the juvenile justice system. I also spent a year working in a secure residential treatment facility, where I developed a deeper understanding of trauma, impulse control, behavioral concerns, and the impact of adolescent development on emotional well-being.

My specialties include anxiety, depression, OCD, anger, and behavioral concerns, with a particular focus on adolescents. I use a person-centered approach alongside evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I believe these approaches can be especially helpful for teens: CBT can help them identify and reframe thought patterns that affect mood and behavior, while IFS can help them understand the different parts of themselves that influence self-esteem, emotions, and actions.

In our first session, you will have the opportunity to share what brings you to therapy and what you hope to work toward. We will collaborate on a treatment plan that reflects your needs and goals.

For adolescents, I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where they can be themselves without judgment. I am not there to be a third parent in the room—I am there to offer support, understanding, and a trusted presence as they navigate their experiences. My goal is for each client to feel heard, respected, and comfortable being honest about what they are going through.