"Hidden in what seems like empty space-indeed, like nothing, which is getting more interesting all the time-are the very elements that allow for our existence." Lawerence M. Krauss, Covering the Universes' Mass." Tampa Bay Times.
As a licensed therapist with over four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse personal experiences—from relationship dynamics and identity exploration to managing stress, anxiety, and emotional transitions.
I bring a depth of understanding to working with individuals across various life stages, with particular expertise in addressing communication challenges, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My approach is deeply respectful, client-centered, and designed to honor each person's unique journey.
My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-understanding, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connections. Whether you're experiencing workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper personal insights, I'm committed to supporting your path toward healing and self-discovery.
I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and identities, offering a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and develop powerful strategies for personal transformation.
Professional experience
42 yrs in practice
Stress and anxiety Coping with addictions Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Depression
Additional areas of focus:LGBTQ+ related issues, Family conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Avoidant personality, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic brain injury, Trichotillomania, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joel Brooks. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
My therapist, Joel is a great listener and understands the issues that I present to him and gives me tools that better help me through these issues in the future
Written on Sep 11, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 3 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Joel has been great to work with so far. He has a way of explaining things that makes them click for me in ways they never have before. A few times he’s helped me look at situations or patterns from a completely different perspective, and I’ve walked away understanding myself better than I did going in. I really appreciate how thoughtful, clear, and easy to talk to he is. I’m very glad I found him.
Written on Aug 25, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
He has helped me beyond words
Written on Aug 18, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Great guy. Listens & talks to you straight up. Like a normal person, but still as a therapist. You don't necessarily feel like your talking to a therapist, but more a really smart 3rd party friend
Written on Jul 13, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Joel has literally turned my life around, and all for the better. He listens, helps me to see and hear clearly so that I can set healthy boundaries, learn about my weaknesses and become a happier, more centered person. I'm blessed to have him as my therapist!
Written on Jun 29, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 3 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Joel is phenomenal. He has been helping me for over 3 years now and I am beyond grateful. We set goals, he is kind and empathetic. I highly recommend him and BetterHelp to everyone I know.
Written on Jun 26, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 2 years and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, and self esteem
Joel is great!!!
Written on Jun 24, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
I came to Joel during a very difficult time, and after my faith in therapy had been tested by a previous ineffective experience. He restored my belief that therapy could help. He's kind and relatable and non-judgmental, and I will carry many of his insights with me for a long time.
Written on Mar 24, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 2 years and 9 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
He is a great therapist who truly listens to me and understands my issues
Written on Mar 23, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
I’ve had a really positive experience working with Joel. I truly appreciate his approach—he offers thoughtful, direct guidance without trying to lead me to a specific answer, which has helped me develop my own clarity and confidence in decision-making.
I look forward to our sessions each week and feel a strong sense of trust in his experience and perspective. He’s created a space where I feel supported but also challenged in a productive way. Overall, working with him has been incredibly helpful, and I’ve seen meaningful progress as a result.
Written on Mar 21, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Joel is a wonderful, thoughtful and experienced therapist. I am grateful for his knowledge and expertise.
Written on Mar 21, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Joel has been talking with me for quite some time. He has always helped me to stay present in the moment and regard patience. These are challenges for me along with other things.
Written on Mar 17, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Incredible therapist. I’m so lucky to have found him. His perspective is always so thought provoking and never judges the situation but focusses on my best path through the situation. Really enjoy working with him.
Written on Mar 05, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, self esteem, and adhd
Joel helped guide me through a very low time in my life, dealing with heavy grief and put me on the right path to heal my mental health and I wouldnt be where I am right now a year later, if it wasnt for the support and perspective this man provided going through it
Written on Feb 21, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
he's great and it's been really helpful.
Written on Feb 07, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and anger management
I've been doing therapy with Joel now for 8-9 months. And he is very easy to talk to. Responds quickly. And gives me alot of tools to work with. I feel really comfortable talking with him.
Written on Jan 28, 2026 after therapy with Joel for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I’ve not been with Joel Brooks for all too long yet, but he’s definitely a positive impact in my life. He is easy to talk to, kind, understanding, and makes me feel like I’m working toward progress. Honestly just having him to talk to has been really good for me
Written on Dec 28, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
He responds to all my messages in timely manner, great therapist
Written on Dec 14, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Joel has been helping me for a few months now. His recommendations, and expertise have been invaluable. Great guy to talk to.
Written on Nov 12, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 3 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
Doctor Brooks is a great therapist. He understands needs and gives good feedback.
Written on Nov 10, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Joel is very kind and knowledgeable, I'm extremely happy with the help he's provided in understanding and overcoming my OCD
Written on Nov 09, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and adhd
I feel great with Joel, he is truly the best
Written on Sep 21, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Very knowledgeable. Easy to talk to
Written on Aug 22, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
Joel has been a wonderfully compassionate and professional therapist. He has helped me tremendously in working through my anxiety. His kindness and expertise have been instrumental in my recovery- I am so grateful for his support.
Written on Aug 18, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I would like to thank Joel for being so supportive and understanding and encouraging
Written on May 13, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and adhd
Joel helped me tremendously during the most difficult of times. He helped save my marriage and we are stronger for it. I felt heard and supported by him.
Written on Mar 25, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Joel is a thoughtful and caring therapist. His insights and advice are valuable to anyone seeking to work on understanding and improving.
Written on Feb 26, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Very kind, understanding, and takes his time to answer each problem. He tackles each problem one by one. Easy to talk to.
Written on Feb 11, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Best therapist experience I have had.
Written on Feb 02, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Mr. Brooks has a lot of experience.
Written on Jan 31, 2025 after therapy with Joel for 8 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
He's great I'm 20 and he's helping me get to the next stage in my life mentally
Written on Nov 27, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
10/10 would recommend
Written on Oct 26, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Joel is awesome!
Written on Oct 11, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I am enjoying my sessions with Joel. I feel heard and understood of my situation. Joel responds to my concerns and have been incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Written on Oct 02, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I appreciate my time with Mr. Brooks. His counsel helps reframe how I’m thinking about things, which in turn opens doors where there seemed to be no clear path before.
Written on Sep 05, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Joel is such an amazing therapist and human being. He has really helped me transform my life for the better and I am so grateful i have him as my therapist as I navigate my next big chapter in my life.
Written on Aug 29, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fa
Love my therapist! He’s knowledgeable and helpful
Written on Aug 04, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life
Joel is a compassionate listener and excellent therapist. He is not just knowledgable but he truly understands how to help. I have been in some form of therapy here and there for 15 years and he is by far the best therapist I have ever seen. Very grateful to have found Joel on here.
Written on Apr 25, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Great listener and communicator. Always timely and I finally received the proper support that I have desperately been needing.
Written on Apr 20, 2024 after therapy with Joel for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Joel’s empathy and expertise in caring and unlocking trauma and to help a patient see value in themselves is unmatched. He should be cloned
Written on Dec 09, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Joel is kind and attentive. I have never been one to be vulnerable and express my feelings, let alone accept that I have some trauma that I need to deal with. He helps me explore my feelings in a way that isn’t traumatizing and helps me get through it. Highly recommend.
Written on Oct 19, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I’m in awe of Joel’s compassion, intelligence, and manner of caring for me and my challenges. He’s a brilliant therapist and I’m endlessly thankful for him and his support. He’s never failed to make me feel supported and cared for throughout my experiences processing and healing in the scope of my traumas. He’s simply wonderful.
Written on Oct 10, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Joel has helped me navigate through a difficult time in my life with knowledge, insight, empathy, humor, and real-world talk! He's a gem, and I'm grateful I found him!
Written on Oct 02, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Joel is great.
Written on Sep 25, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I feel heard. He truly has been a big help for me. I appreciate all the support he gives me.
Written on Sep 19, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Joel has been amazing. Kind & supportive.
Written on Sep 15, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Joel Brooks is an excellent therapist. In my experience he has been very compassionate, professional, and in my opinion he tries to work at underlying issues to help you heal instead of using therapy as a bandaid. At the time of me writing this, I have been talking with him for just under six months and my quality of life has improved a great deal. If you are lucky enough to stumble across Joel and your journey to finding a therapist, then I strongly urge you to give him a shot. He will more than likely make an extreme positive impact in your life, I know he has in mine.
Written on Jul 26, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Joel was very understanding of my concerns and quickly deduced possible causes. I am confident in Joel’s ability to provide care.
Written on Jul 20, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Joel is an amazing guy and very knowledgeable. He is relatable and has a great way of going about explaining things. I have grown a lot as a person thanks to this man. Cannot say enough nice things.
Written on Jul 04, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and adhd
I like my therapist so much. He’s been good to me and knows exactly what my issues are. I appreciate it
Written on Jun 29, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
Joel is calm, kind, empathetic and wise. I appreciate his insights.
Written on May 02, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
I can't recommend Joel Brooks enough, I don't really have words to say it but this man showed me exactly what I needed.
Written on Apr 17, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
A pleasure to talk to.
He makes it very easy to be open and talk about problems you may be facing. During our sessions, I was given a new perspective that made dealing with what I was going through a breeze.
Overall, he made therapy worth it.
Written on Mar 23, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
This therapist is the best therapist I have ever had. He listens, cares, is respectful, and offers great suggestions. He lets you message him in-between sessions, if needed. I like how he assigns “homework assignments”. He is amazing.
Written on Mar 23, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
First session took place and Joel is absolutely amazing. He told me things I needed to hear and made me feel so comfortable. I feel positive after my first session
Written on Mar 15, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 1 week on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
I have had several in-person therapists and video-chat only therapists. I have only met one who I felt really made the most of my time, however after meeting Joel, I feel like I have finally found the right fit. Joel can take word vomit and make sense of what my key issues are, remembers fine details, and is exceptionally good at providing actionable feedback. I am so impressed with how he balances compassion and being assertive enough to interject with the right questions to ensure he understands the challenges I’m facing. Overall, I am so pleased with having Joel as my therapist. I am so glad I decided to also try a male therapist and feel I’ve landed on a gold mine!
Written on Mar 12, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and career difficulties
I was struggling with some relationship issues including sexual intimacy with my partner and needed help to overcome them. Joel made me feel heard and understood. He asked questions to understand exactly what help I needed and then guided me to my own understanding in a comfortable pace. With his perspectives my partner and I have made positive progress toward overcoming those issues and have a much happier and fulfilling connection. For that I am very grateful, thank you Joel.
Written on Feb 23, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Very down to earth, understanding and adapts to you.
Written on Feb 13, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
So far, a great match. Helpful beyond my expectations.
Written on Feb 07, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief
Joel is great and welcoming to be honest and vulnerable.
Written on Feb 07, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management
Good therapists!!
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Joel provided me with a judgement free space where I was able to explore my depression, grief, and trauma. When I was in a position where I was no longer able to accept positive words from those close to me, or believe them for their encouragement due to the loss of hope, talking to Joel helped a ton in regaining momentum for recovery.
Written on Jan 16, 2023 after therapy with Joel for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
So far with things I’ve talked about he has been extremely insightful and helpful with solutions
Written on Dec 05, 2022 after therapy with Joel for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
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