Joseph Poyser

My name is Joseph Poyser, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. My primary focus is working statewide in California via telehealth. I work with individuals and couples, emerging adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, life stage adjustments, and LGBTQ+ issues utilizing affirming therapies and evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT to assist with reducing suffering and increasing life enjoyment.

My approach

My approaches are always catered to the individual need, whether it is a shorter skills-based focus or processing long-term effects of adversity or trauma. Overall I tend to utilize approaches that contextualize the current problems presented, assume you are doing the best you can with what you have been given, and identify areas of improvement with client input. I find that CBT, Solution Focused, and DBT skills building are often helpful for identifying what values are most important for the client and what strategies we can use moving forward to assist with immediate increase in functioning.

My focus

My style and approach are often suited for emerging adults and middle-aged adults who are experiencing a variety of life transitions and mental health challenges as an individual or in a relationship. As with many transitional experiences, anxiety, depression, grief, and stress often increase, and I enjoy helping clients navigate these experiences while providing coping strategies and encouraging continued growth on their new paths. I have specific training and focus on LGBTQ+ issues of transitioning, coming out, and navigating changing family dynamics.

My communication style

My communication style is warm, empathic, and affirming. I use humor and nonjudgment to build rapport quickly, and I'm not afraid to hold clients accountable for change in a supportive style. I take the assumption that clients are willing to change in an environment that fosters healthy development, security, and self-worth. I meet you where you are and assist you to where you are going. Growth takes many different stages, and I am honored to help.

My journey to mental healthcare

I often blame my mother for being attracted to a career in therapy! She was a proud advocate and assistant director for two social service community support centers when I was growing up. My time spent in those centers and "encouraged" volunteer work created a broadened awareness of the suffering and injustices of this world. The experience also highlighted important factors necessary for change that I try to bring to my clients: support, hope, and resiliency. I don't pretend that therapeutic work is not difficult and does not require consistent practice, but what drives me to continue to work with clients is the ongoing benefit they take from it.

My goals for you

I seek to create an environment where goals are discussed, reviewed, and encouraged. From day one you can expect to be asked about your goals for investing in therapy. I may help define them, but ultimately I defer to you as the expert on you. Goal setting can be both exciting and daunting so I will help to identify manageable and quantifiable goals for our time together, noting that they may shift over time.

My first session with you

The majority of the session will seek to clarify your experiences and build rapport and trust. During our first session, you can expect to be asked about your biopsychosocial history and the current context of your problems. The purpose is to get a snapshot of what we might focus on during our time together. We will review strengths, needs, and the goals that you have for therapy and will make a plan based on those qualifiers. Clients should also feel free to ask any questions they may have about therapeutic processes, as this is a collaborative process. First sessions can feel awkward as a relative stranger is now asking you about your whole life and I try my best to alleviate that when possible.