- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship concerns
- CBT and client-centered
About Joel
Joel Kirchstein is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) practicing in Wisconsin with four years of experience. He holds two master’s degrees in counseling and has undergraduate studies in psychology and religion. Joel focuses on concerns young adults often bring, such as stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, and coping with life changes.
He works in a straightforward, person-centered way and leans on cognitive behavioral and narrative techniques when they fit. Sessions typically involve listening to what matters to the client, mapping patterns that cause distress, and trying practical steps to change unhelpful habits. Joel also draws on solution-focused strategies to set small, achievable goals between meetings.
Clients who reach out often want help with parenting concerns, grief, career stress, self-esteem, or anger. He also has experience addressing family and blended family problems, abandonment, intimacy and commitment worries, and concerns related to autism and Asperger Syndrome. The focus is on clear conversations and concrete steps rather than long theory talks.
Joel describes the client as the expert on their own story and uses that view to guide sessions. He encourages identifying strengths and trying specific tools that fit day-to-day life. For young adults dealing with first jobs, relationships, or feeling behind peers, sessions aim to break down problems into manageable parts.
He is working toward a doctoral degree in Christian Education and Research and has completed certificates through the American Association of Christian Counselors. Joel practices in Wisconsin and conducts work in English.
How Joel Applies Approaches in Online Sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people clarify values and make decisions based on their own priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the thoughts and behaviors that keep someone stuck and introduces practical exercises to change those patterns. These approaches are commonly used for anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and day-to-day functioning.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Joel discusses the client’s goals and preferences, then tries methods that seem likely to help. If a technique isn’t working, he adjusts the plan together with the client rather than sticking to one method.
The original profile does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, save travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when life is hectic. It can also let someone use quieter surroundings, reduce camera time if that feels better, or schedule sessions around school and work commitments. Licensed professionals use these ways of working to help clients apply skills between sessions and track progress without promising specific outcomes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, coping with life changes, grief, parenting concerns, anger, self-esteem, career stress, depression, and compassion fatigue.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a client-centered approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused techniques to identify patterns and try practical steps between sessions.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years of professional counseling experience and ongoing doctoral study in Christian Education and Research.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LPC, licensed in Wisconsin, and practices in Wisconsin.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.