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JK Portrait of Joel Kirchstein

Joel Kirchstein

Compassionate counselor focused on practical solutions

LPC Wisconsin

Experience
4 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Intimacy-related issues
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About Joel

Joel Kirchstein trained in religion and psychology and continued into graduate-level counseling studies, earning two M.A. degrees in Professional Counseling and Human Resource Counseling.

Background and approach

He brings four years of clinical experience as an LPC licensed in Wisconsin and has completed additional certificate programs through the American Association of Christian Counselors focused on topics such as caregiving, healthy sexuality, and marriage support. Joel is also pursuing a doctoral degree in Christian Education and Research.

His work centers on practical, collaborative care for concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting and career difficulties, as well as relationship and intimacy-related issues. He also addresses a wide range of related areas including abandonment, blended family tensions, caregiver stress, body image, and fidelity and commitment struggles.

Joel’s approach emphasizes the client’s strengths and narrative, inviting people to build on what already serves them while developing new skills. Clients can expect a respectful, strengths-based stance that honors each person’s experience.

Joel frames therapy as a partnership, helping people take early steps toward clearer goals and more workable daily routines while integrating evidence-informed methods alongside person-centered support.

Approaches and Online Options for Practical Change



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thought patterns and test new behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems by teaching concrete skills to shift reactions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and respect for each person’s perspective, creating space for clients to explore feelings and make choices that align with their values. Narrative Therapy invites clients to examine the stories they tell about themselves, separating problems from identity so new possibilities can emerge.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works together with clients to explore which methods fit their goals and preferences, adapting strategies over time rather than insisting on a single path. This collaborative exploration helps tailor sessions to practical needs and personal values.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and choose the style of interaction that feels most comfortable while working toward clearer goals and daily coping strategies.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges, career matters, and compassion fatigue, along with several related topics such as abandonment, body image, and infidelity.
How would you describe the therapeutic style and approach?
The therapist uses a collaborative, strengths-oriented stance integrating client-centered listening with practical techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral, narrative, and solution-focused therapies.
What is the therapist's professional background?
Joel holds M.A. degrees in Professional Counseling and Human Resource Counseling, completed certificate trainings with the American Association of Christian Counselors, and has four years of professional experience.
Where is the therapist licensed and practicing?
He is licensed as an LPC in Wisconsin with license number WI LPC 10071-125 and practices from that state.
Are sessions available in languages other than English?
Services are offered in English only and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does the therapist offer?
Appointments can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.
How are sessions priced and paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes

Also works with

Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesSelf-loveYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Narrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

Wisconsin

Languages

English