Joy Downing, MA, LMFT, LCDC-I

Finding a therapist can be a daunting task. . .
You might be wondering how to find a therapist that you can feel safe with and trust to be helpful.  It can be difficult and scary to search for a therapist when you are in need of support. You might be struggling with figuring out who can help you with your specific needs. You might also be wondering what you should be looking for. Studies have found that more than technique or theory, the relationship between therapist and client is what has the greatest impact on your experience and efficacy in therapy. Not all therapists are a good fit for all people and that is ok! My hope is that the information here will help you to decide if I seem like a person you could open up to and really dive into the heart of the matter with – that’s a good first step. 

Experience and Training
Being a therapist is not my first career. Through my various work experiences, I’ve encountered a wide variety of people and environments. I know what it is like to work in a high-stress business environment, to be self-employed, to transition from one career to another, and to do all that in the context of family life. I’ve worked with analytical types as well as highly sensitive people. I bring my life and career experience as well as my specific therapy training into the space in which we endeavor to grow. 
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been specifically trained to work with couples and families. I stay engaged with peers in consultation. This allows me to benefit from their outside perspective, years of success, and lessons they have learned along the way as well. This is a career of lifetime learning in which I seek out the latest and most up to date materials to help my clients get the best out of their therapy experience.
Some specific trainings I have completed in recent years (not an exhaustive list):
Love, Sex, and Power with Terry Real (2019)
Minding the Heart with Tori Olds, PhD (2021)
Coherence Training and Consultation group with Tori Olds, PhD and Bruce Ecker, MA, LMFT (2022)
Intensive DEEP Training with Candyce Ossefort-Russel, LPC-S (currently enrolled)

Co-creating a safe place. . .
My goal is to co-create a safe space with you in which you are free to express yourself; a place in which you can be heard and seen; a compassionate and judgment-free zone. It is in this safety that you are best equipped to be challenged and to experience growth. My theoretical perspective is rooted in systems theory which is to say, whether you come in as an individual or couple, my approach is to recognize you are affected by the various relationships in your life (or lack thereof).
I am fairly active in therapy, actively attuning to your emotional state and repairing when I miss you. If you are looking for a therapist who is interested in building a relationship with you, being curious with you, brainstorming with you, and exploring with you, we might be a good fit. 

Still not sure?
That's OK. I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation if you would like to call and chat or ask any questions. If I cannot help you, I will do my best to help you find someone who can. I look forward to hearing from you. Book your 20 minute consultation now or scroll down for contact info. I hope to hear from you soon!