I work with individuals and partners in relationships. As an immigrant, it is important for me to practice in a way that is welcoming to people from all cultural and spiritual backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, and those in both traditional and non-traditional relationship structures. Whether you come to therapy on your own or with a partner (or partners), my hope is to foster a healing connection between us and a secure bond between partners.

I do this work because I believe in the healing power of relationships: that meeting someone who genuinely cares and understands can relieve us from heavy burdens—shame, worry, guilt, anger—and help us experience joy and peace. Having lived in three countries by the time I reached adulthood, I have struggled with my own identity and values. It was always in relationships, often with people from different cultures, beliefs, and ways of living, that I found resolution. This journey ultimately led me to marry someone who grew up halfway across the world.

Though my life experience has brought me to this field, my schooling and work as a therapist have also been illuminated by research, which has repeatedly shown that the strength of our relationship (if you feel understood, accepted, and in agreement on our goals) is four times more important to your well-being than is my expertise in applying therapeutic techniques. That means I will regularly invite your feedback about our alliance and the effect our work is having on your life. If something is not working, we will talk about it and adjust. My goal is to improve your quality of life, not just to treat the symptoms of a diagnosis.

My main training is in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an attachment-based approach that is widely considered the gold standard for couples therapy. EFT focuses on de-escalating negative cycles of communication and creating new, secure patterns of connection. It has also been adapted to help individuals repair internal emotional wounds and develop more compassionate relationships with themselves. If you prefer a more structured approach, I can incorporate elements of the Unified Protocol—a CBT method that includes targeted exercises, skill-building, and “homework” between sessions. If you are ready to begin this work, I would be honored to support you. You do not have to do this alone.

Joseph received his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Davidson College and his Master’s in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. He is trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and provides in-person and virtual therapy in North Carolina in both English and Arabic. Outside of work, Joseph enjoys cooking for friends and family as well as hiking, backpacking, and woodworking.