Meet Joel
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
I graduated with a Master’s in Rehabilitation from Utah State University in 2015. I took additional classes so I could do clinical work and am currently licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. I currently work as the clinical director at one of the Utah health departments. I also own my own pornography coaching practice, Joel Downs Coaching L.L.C., and this counseling practice.
I have multiple years of experience in helping clients work through and better manage a variety of disorders and problems such as: addictions, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, sexual abuse, anger, self-esteem, family issues, and more.
I also have over a decade of personal experience dealing with someone close to me that has a substance use disorder. Some may not count that as valid experience that you could put down on something like this, but I beg to differ. My clients and clients that I’ve taught in various groups have appreciated hearing my experiences and viewpoints as others and I have tried to help this individual get their life back on track.
I know that not every theory or approach will work for everyone. However, I have learned what does seem to work for everyone and that is being treated like an individual that has worth and value which is very empowering to a client. I realize that people know themselves better than any other person or any theoretical book for that matter. That’s why with my approach I'm able to help my clients discover who they really are, who they want to be, and who they can become. Then I focus on empowering them to do what it takes to live and act on their values.
By using Person Centered Approach, ACT Therapy, Solution-Focused Counseling, and EMDR therapy; I believe it has produced the greatest results in helping my clients move closer to the life they want to be living. These types of counseling theories have helped my clients feel comfortable with therapy, focus on solutions rather than problems, and have taught them how to raise their level of psychological flexibility.
My biggest aim for most of my clients is helping them gain greater psychological flexibility which is the ability to adapt to a situation with greater awareness, openness, focus, and then take effective action, guided by their values.
Clients have told me that they feel like they can open up to me more, relate to me more, and learn from me more than other counselors they've had because of my personal experience and treatment approach.
I know that if many of my clients that have come in to see me for a variety of problems and have learned to cope with their “negative” thoughts, feelings, and emotions in healthy ways without using and engaging in other harmful behaviors, then you too can experience better days.
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Aside from work I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. We enjoy playing games, going for walks, being outside, watching movies, playing video games, throwing darts and much more.
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When I have a moment for myself, you'll find me outdoors fishing or golfing. I also enjoy watching movies, which you'll often find me quoting.