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Joonas Vehvilainen

BACP

Empathic counsellor for eating and addiction concerns

  • Practical coping tools
  • Evidence-informed methods
  • English and Finnish

About Joonas

Joonas Vehvilainen helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, addictions and eating and food-related issues. He also supports those coping with low self-esteem, ADHD, trauma, grief and depression. Joonas keeps language simple and practical in sessions so people feel heard and understood. He trained in psychology at the University of York and completed a master's in neuroscience at King’s College London. He later studied addiction psychology and counselling at London South Bank University. Joonas has worked as a healthcare assistant, recovery worker and counsellor in London, and as an addiction therapist in Scotland. In sessions he focuses on clear tools and everyday techniques. He uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to help with thoughts, behaviours and emotions. He also draws on attachment-based and client-centred ways of working to build trust and explore relationship patterns. Joonas combines psychoeducation with practical exercises. He helps people learn coping skills, spot unhelpful patterns and try new behaviours between sessions. He aims for straightforward, collaborative work rather than technical jargon. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, holds four years of counselling experience and has delivered over 1,000 hours of counselling. Sessions are offered in English and Finnish and Joonas accepts international clients. Please confirm session formats when booking.

How Joonas' approaches shape online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then take actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, low mood and issues around eating and addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and practising small changes that reduce distress and improve everyday functioning. It often helps with anxiety, depression and managing cravings. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current connections and self-image, and it can be helpful for intimacy, attachment issues and body image concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and then try methods that fit best. That collaborative process allows adjustments over time so the plan matches what is actually helping.

Please confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, study or family commitments and can reduce time spent travelling. It can also allow shorter check-ins when life feels busy, or sessions without video if that feels more comfortable. Many people find the continuity of regular online meetings helps them practise new skills between sessions.

Professional registration

BACP United Kingdom · No. 390418

As shown on the therapist's profile. You can check membership with the professional body named.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepression

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCodependencyDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeNarcissismPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Credentials

BACP · United Kingdom

Languages

English, Finnish

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Joonas help with?

He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions and eating and food-related issues, as well as low self-esteem, ADHD, trauma, grief and depression.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He uses straightforward language and practical exercises, combining psychoeducation with skills practice and reflective conversation to help people make changes between sessions.

What is his professional background?

Joonas studied psychology and neuroscience, trained in addiction psychology and counselling, and has worked in mental health roles including as a counsellor and addiction therapist.

Which professional accreditation does he hold and where is he based?

He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises from the United Kingdom.

What languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Finnish.

Can international clients work with him?

He accepts international clients; confirm session arrangements and scheduling when you make contact.

How are fees and sessions organised?

Costs vary with location and the subscription-based model used; the subscription can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

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