Joy Kelleher, LCSW, CSW

Joy Kelleher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life changes. She aims to make starting therapy less daunting and meets people where they are. Sessions are collaborative and grounded in practical steps toward each person’s goals.

Her approach is relational and strength-based. She helps clients notice what already works for them and build on those strengths. Expect a professional and empathetic space where grief, trauma, and everyday struggles are addressed with clear, doable strategies.

Joy has worked internationally and with a wide range of clients over her career. That breadth informs how she supports people in recovery, coping with chronic health concerns, and navigating major life transitions. She also brings experience supporting people through career shifts, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, and identity questions.

In sessions she uses techniques from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness, among other approaches. She combines these to fit each person’s needs rather than following a single method. The work focuses on small, practical steps that lead to lasting changes in day-to-day life.

Outside of counseling she volunteers as an assistant swim coach at a local university and works with young adults facing the demands of college life. Her practice reflects a belief in connection, resilience, and helping people find a sense of belonging as they move through difficult seasons.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Joy commonly draws on acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values and take action toward them, even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to change mood and stress over time.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. Together they adjust strategies as progress is made and life changes occur.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful for fitting therapy into a busy life, cutting out commute time, and keeping appointments on work or school days. Online visits can make it easier to check in during a short break, use mindfulness practices between sessions, or continue momentum during life transitions. Licensed professionals and therapists can tailor online work to focus on practical skills, values-based planning, and coping strategies that translate into everyday routines.