Joy Kelleher, LCSW, CSW

Joy Kelleher is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. She offers calm, steady support for people facing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma and abuse, and life transitions. Her approach is practical and relational, aimed at helping people take small, manageable steps toward their goals.

Joy meets people where they are and focuses on strengths. In sessions she listens closely, helps identify priorities, and works with clients to build habits that fit everyday life. She emphasizes resilience, self-compassion, and realistic plans rather than quick fixes.

Her background includes extensive social work practice and international experience. Joy has worked across a broad range of concerns including depression, bipolar mood disorders, panic, and post-traumatic stress, as well as issues like parenting, career shifts, and relationship challenges. She also supports people dealing with compassion fatigue, addictions, body image, and life purpose questions.

Joy uses several evidence-informed methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. These approaches are woven into a relational, strength-based practice that adapts to each person’s needs and goals.

Outside of clinical work she volunteers as an assistant swim coach at a local university and has considerable experience helping young adults through major life changes. Her work is grounded in helping people find connection, voice, and a sense of belonging as they navigate hard experiences and growth.

How therapy approaches shape online work

Joy commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her practice. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then take actions that reflect their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit best based on their goals, daily demands, and preferences. That means approaches can be blended and adjusted as work proceeds rather than chosen once and never changed.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats offered before booking since specific options are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit regular sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let someone access a licensed professional while managing work, school, or caregiving responsibilities without rearranging the whole day.