Joel Kouame

Psychotherapist, LCSW,MBA

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

I was drawn to the field of therapy because this work gives me the opportunity to help others find themselves and get closer to achieving their hopes and aspirations. Therapy is my passion—and it is truly a privilege to be a part of so many people’s journeys.

What should someone know about working with you?

There are two key aspects of working with me: “mindfulness” and “perspective.” Mindfulness focuses on understanding the series of conscious and unconscious thoughts that lead to our feelings and behaviors. Perspective centers on understanding why we respond that way. Becoming aware of the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors allows us to claim the strength we need to reach our goals. We will have weekly or biweekly sessions focused on educating you on this relationship, while analyzing how it has affected you throughout your life.

How does collaboration with other providers inform your work?

Collaborating with other mental health care providers broadens my treatment options—and it allows me to help my clients by seeing the problem through other perspectives. There are a vast number of clinical disciplines and treatment interventions out there, with more being developed every day. While we as therapists do our best to stay informed, it’s difficult for a clinician to be adept in everything. Peer supervision allows us the opportunity to share our knowledge and extend our skill sets to our peer’s clients. With that extension, I can feel even more confident that the care I provide to the people I work with is comprehensive and well-informed.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try therapy?

Therapy can be a difficult pool to jump in—and being vulnerable is not an easy task. That’s why I commend you for finding the resolve to ask for help. This is an example of the strength that you have within you. If you allow me to, I would be more than happy to help you become more aware of your inherent strengths.

Why is investigating feelings of anger important?

Anger often manifests as a “secondary emotion”—meaning it’s typically an emotional reaction to another feeling. In my practice, I focus on working with people who are having trouble managing their anger. Anger is in all of us, and it tends to be the gatekeeper blocking the pain we are truly experiencing. Using a person-centered approach, I help individuals manage feelings of anger and overcome the underlying issues causing their suffering.

Becoming aware of the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors allows us to claim the strength we need to reach our goals.

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