Family therapy and counseling in Fort Wayne, IN

Hello and good day. My name is Joe and I'm greatly honored for the opportunity to serve you. As a therapist, I would describe my approach as conversational and direct. I specialize in the areas of military Veterans, men's issues, grief and bereavement, as well as alcoholism/substance abuse. Navigating daily life can be overwhelming at times. If you are feeling stressed by work, experiencing family issues, are processing trauma, have recently lost a loved one, or just simply need someone to talk to, I maybe able to help. I look forward to hearing your story.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and have worked with clients at all ages of the lifespan. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University. I am licensed to practice in the states of Florida, Arizona, Indiana, Missouri and Alabama.

I believe that mental health is an important part of overall health and happiness. Each person has the ability to commit to and foster positive change in their lives. I always strive to work with each client as an individual, fostering their strengths and building healthy coping skills, insight, and empowering courage for change. I am passionate about women's health and issues. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.

I have extensive experience in working with families, children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced various forms of trauma, both acute and chronic, as well as grief and loss, stress and anxiety, as well as other behavioral health issues.

For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.

I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.

In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, and it is completely natural to have questions or feel uncertain about where to begin. You do not have to have everything figured out before you reach out. Therapy offers a supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that healing begins in a safe, compassionate, and respectful relationship. Your story, experiences, and goals matter, and I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs. Whether you are coping with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, or other emotional struggles, we will work together to better understand what you are experiencing and create a path forward that feels meaningful and manageable.

I’ve been working in the mental health field since earning my Masters of Science in Social Work degree with a specialization in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the University of Louisville in 2011. Over the years, I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, supporting adults through challenges with mental health and substance use. Those experiences have given me the privilege of walking alongside people in some of the hardest and most transformative moments of their lives.

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.