- ACT informed
- CBT techniques
- Attachment focus
About Joel
Joel McNamara is an ACA counsellor with four years' clinical experience in Australia. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, depression and ADHD. Joel also lists guilt and shame among his focus areas and often supports people wondering how those feelings shape their choices.
Joel describes counselling as two people talking to clarify a problem and find what the problem is pointing toward. He treats the person as the expert in their life and helps translate what matters into practical steps. Sessions are grounded in straightforward conversation rather than technical jargon.
His approach is person-centred and draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Narrative Therapy. He also uses attachment-based ideas and motivational interviewing to help people notice patterns and decide what matters to them. Joel mentions using body- and nervous-system-focused practices to help with emotion and behavioural regulation.
In practice he helps people name unhelpful patterns, test small changes, and build routines that reflect their stated values. He takes a collaborative approach to planning, then works with clients to put the plan into action. Joel has experience working cross-culturally and says he has a particular interest in young adults and men's mental health.
People who come because they feel guilty or ashamed often start by talking about one event or an ongoing pattern. Joel aims to help them trace how those feelings affect thinking and behaviour, and to develop clearer choices about what to do next.
Therapeutic approaches used online and how they help
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that align with their values. It suits issues like anxiety, depression and patterns driven by shame. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns, which can help with stress, low mood and addictive behaviour. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on relationship patterns that shape how people respond to closeness and separation; it can be useful for understanding why shame or guilt shows up in relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Joel will collaborate with each person to match methods to their needs, goals and preferences rather than applying one model to everyone. That means checking in about what helps and adjusting the plan over time.
Confirm the specific online session formats available before booking, as the biography does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into busy lives, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and remove the need to travel to appointments. Joel will discuss practical arrangements and what will best fit a client's routine when arranging the first session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Joel work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem, depression and ADHD, plus related concerns such as guilt and shame.
How would he approach feelings of shame or guilt?
He uses person-centred conversations alongside ACT and narrative techniques to locate what those feelings point to and to test practical changes.
How much clinical experience does he have?
Joel has four years' experience working as a counsellor in Australia, including cross-cultural practice.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an ACA counsellor and practises in Australia.
Can I see him if I don't live in Australia?
He does not accept international clients at this time; sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.