Joel Burns

NCPS

United Kingdom

Experienced counsellor offering motivational support

Continue with Joel

At a glance

Credentials

NCPS

Registration

NCPS, United Kingdom / NCS22-02756

Experience

6 years

Languages

English

Location

United Kingdom

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

1. • Warm compassionate approach
   • Values-based methods
   • Practical coping skills

   About Joel

   Joel Burns, NCPS, is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. He also supports those coping with grief, parenting strain, relationship and intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping difficulties, low self-esteem, career questions, and major life changes. Joel takes a warm, compassionate approach and aims to make it easier to speak about what’s hard.

   He works at a pace that suits each person and uses a calm, non-judgemental style. Sessions focus on listening, building awareness, and helping people find practical ways to cope day to day. Joel describes his work as creative and educative, aiming to boost motivation and problem-solving skills.

   Joel combines several approaches in his practice, including Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). He uses these methods flexibly to match what a person needs rather than sticking to a single model.

   Originally from the United States, Joel has worked and studied across different countries and values multicultural perspectives. He holds the NCPS credential and brings six years of professional experience to his practice.

   His sessions aim to increase insight into how past experiences shape present patterns. He commonly helps people notice unhelpful habits, develop coping skills, and make choices that match their values. The focus is on practical steps, self-understanding and building autonomy.

   Joel encourages open discussion about goals and options and will refer on when other sources of support might be useful. He supports people regardless of race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability or other differences.

2. How Joel uses different approaches in online therapy

   Joel draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people resolve mixed feelings and find internal reasons to change. This approach is conversational and aims to increase motivation for specific goals such as reducing substance use or making healthier choices.
   
   He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on clarifying values and taking meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. ACT can help with anxiety, low mood and life transitions by shifting attention toward what matters most.
   
   Client-Centred Therapy is another influence in his work, offering a listening, empathic environment where people can explore their experiences without judgement. This approach supports building self-understanding and confidence to make changes.
   
   Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Joel treats this as a collaborative process and will discuss goals, preferences and what seems to help over the first few sessions. Together the therapist and client decide which methods to try and adjust them as progress is made.
   
   The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions around work or family life and avoiding travel time. Online appointments can make it easier to keep regular sessions during busy periods and may allow quicker check-ins when needed. Confirm the specific session formats offered before booking so you know what to expect.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression

   Also works with

   AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

   Additional focus areas

   AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPhobiasSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   6+ years

   Listed in

   United Kingdom

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What issues does Joel commonly help with?

   He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem and career questions among others.

   How would you describe his therapeutic style?

   Joel uses a calm, non-judgemental and compassionate manner and works at the client’s pace to build awareness and motivation. Sessions are described as creative and educative with practical focus.

   What is Joel’s background and experience?

   He has six years of professional experience and a background spanning counselling, sport, education and social work. He has worked and studied in several countries.

   What credentials and location are listed?

   He holds the NCPS credential and is based in the United Kingdom.

   Which languages are supported and can international clients access sessions?

   Sessions are offered in English and Joel accepts international clients.

   What session formats are available?

   The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm the current session options before booking.

   How does pricing work for sessions?

   Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

   How do I begin working with him?

   Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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