Joonas Vehvilainen

Joonas Vehvilainen is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, eating concerns, self-esteem struggles and divorce and separation. He speaks English and Finnish and works with issues such as trauma, grief, intimacy problems, anger and depression. Joonas writes plainly and aims to make sessions feel direct and useful for everyday life.

He trained in psychology at the University of York and completed a master's in neuroscience at King’s College London. He then studied addiction psychology and counselling at London South Bank University. These studies were followed by hands-on roles in mental health settings, including work as a healthcare assistant and a recovery worker supporting people with mental health and addiction needs.

From 2019 to 2021 he worked part-time as a counsellor for the NHS, Humankind and WDP, providing coping skills, psychoeducation and emotional support. Joonas has logged more than 1,000 hours of counselling work and has experience in addiction services, including a role at Castle Craig Hospital in Scotland.

He is a member of the British Association of Counselling Practitioners, recorded as BACP, and runs his own private practice from 2022. Joonas aims to combine practical strategies with clear discussion so people can make changes that fit their lives.

In sessions he uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and attachment-informed work. He encourages clients to set realistic goals, build everyday coping skills and reflect on patterns that get in the way of wellbeing.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and encourages living in line with personal values. That approach can be useful for anxiety, stress and issues where avoidance has become a problem.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing it through small behaviour changes. It is often used for anxiety, depression and practical symptom relief.

Attachment-based work looks at how early relationships shape current patterns in close relationships and emotional reactions, which can be helpful for intimacy-related concerns and attachment issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and the therapist will work collaboratively to choose methods that match a client's needs, goals and preferences. He discusses options, tries approaches in session, and adapts them based on what helps most.

The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions around work or family life and reducing travel time. If you prefer to avoid video, some people find phone or shorter check-ins easier for certain weeks; confirm which formats are offered before booking. Registered or accredited professionals, including therapists listing BACP, commonly use online work to keep therapy accessible while focusing on clear skills, values and patterns rather than lengthy explanation.