Joel McNamara, ACA
Counsellor for anxiety, addiction, and life change
- Anxiety and depression support
- Addiction and behaviour change
- Person centered care
About Joel McNamara
Joel McNamara is a counsellor who supports people navigating life challenges and shifting their relationship with unwanted behaviours such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. He works with clients who want to explore what a valued life looks like for them and to take practical steps toward living in alignment with those values. Joel approaches therapy as a collaborative, non-judgemental conversation in which the counsellor and the client - who is the expert on their own life - work together to clarify problems, identify the underlying needs those problems point to, and build a realistic plan of action to make desired changes more consistent in daily life.
His practice is person centred, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy alongside narrative-informed techniques and bottom-up methods that engage the body and nervous system to support emotion and behaviour regulation. Joel emphasises tailoring therapy to each client rather than fitting people to a single modality. He holds an ACA credential, indicating professional standing with a recognised counselling association.
Joel welcomes clients who are curious and motivated to change, and he has experience working across cultural contexts. He has a particular interest in supporting young adults and in men’s mental health, and he is committed to meeting each person where they are and helping them move toward clearer values and more sustainable routines.
His practice is person centred, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy alongside narrative-informed techniques and bottom-up methods that engage the body and nervous system to support emotion and behaviour regulation. Joel emphasises tailoring therapy to each client rather than fitting people to a single modality. He holds an ACA credential, indicating professional standing with a recognised counselling association.
Joel welcomes clients who are curious and motivated to change, and he has experience working across cultural contexts. He has a particular interest in supporting young adults and in men’s mental health, and he is committed to meeting each person where they are and helping them move toward clearer values and more sustainable routines.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Joel McNamara have?
Joel McNamara has 4 years of experience.
Is Joel McNamara a licensed therapist?
Yes. Joel holds an ACA credential, indicating professional membership with a recognised counselling association.
In which languages does Joel McNamara provide therapy?
Joel provides therapy in English.
Where is Joel McNamara located?
Joel is located in Australia.
How can I work with Joel McNamara as my therapist?
You can work with Joel through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Joel McNamara work with international clients?
Joel McNamara does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Joel McNamara cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches for online support
Joel often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, committed steps toward those values while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. This approach is useful for anxiety, depression, and patterns of avoidance.
He also works from a client-centered framework that prioritises the person’s experience and perspective, offering empathetic listening and collaboration so clients feel heard and supported as they explore change. This approach can benefit those dealing with life transitions, low self-esteem, or relationship issues.
Joel incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques to identify and adjust unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, supporting practical skill-building for stress, mood, and behavioural concerns. Throughout online work he treats finding the right approach as part of the therapeutic journey - he will collaborate with clients to choose and adapt methods that best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals and therapists can deliver these approaches effectively in remote formats.
Online therapy with Joel is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care, access support from home, and continue work between sessions as needed.