- Life purpose work
- Addictions support
- ACT and CBT approaches
About Joonas
Joonas Vehvilainen is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom with four years of experience. He works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, eating concerns, self-esteem, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger and depression. He also focuses on life purpose and related issues such as attachment, codependency, body image and isolation.
He speaks English and Finnish and has lived and worked in several countries. His training includes an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of York and a master's in neuroscience from King’s College London. He later studied addiction psychology and counselling at London South Bank University and has worked in NHS roles and in supported accommodation settings.
In practice he uses approaches drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centred Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Sessions commonly involve talking through current struggles, learning practical coping skills and discussing ways to make values-based choices. He places emphasis on psychoeducation and skills practice alongside emotional support.
Joonas has experience from healthcare assistant and recovery worker roles and from counselling posts with the NHS, Humankind and WDP. Since 2021 he has been a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He has logged more than 1,000 counselling hours and has worked as an addiction therapist in a hospital setting.
People often come to him when they feel stuck after a big life change or when daily pressures start to feel overwhelming. He aims to help clients clarify what matters to them, practise coping strategies and explore steps they can take toward a clearer sense of direction.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify what they value and take small practical steps toward those values, while learning ways to live with difficult thoughts. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and teaches practical techniques to change unhelpful patterns. Attachment-Based Therapy examines patterns in close relationships and how early connection styles can affect current coping and intimacy.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and choose methods together based on the client's goals, preferences and what feels most useful in early sessions. This collaborative approach helps tailor what is tried week to week rather than relying on a single method from the start.
Session arrangements should be confirmed before booking as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, cut travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also be simpler to focus on skills practice from wherever you are and to continue therapy if you move between countries. Check the session options offered and any technical requirements when you arrange the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Finnish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, eating concerns, self-esteem, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, anger and depression, plus related areas like life purpose and attachment issues.
How does he approach feeling stuck or directionless?
He blends practical skills and discussion of values, using ACT, CBT and attachment-informed ways of working to help people clarify goals and try small changes.
What is his background and experience?
He has four years of counselling experience, more than 1,000 hours of practice, and prior roles as a healthcare assistant and recovery worker in mental health and addiction settings.
What credentials and base location does he have?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is based in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him in English or Finnish?
Sessions are offered in English and Finnish.
Does he accept international clients?
He does accept international clients.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the steps to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.