Joel Weir Counsellor

Joel is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and holds a Bachelor of Counselling from the University of Notre Dame Australia. He has a strong passion for mental health and has been involved in the youth mental health sector for over seven years. From 2017 to 2023, he was a member of Youth Focus' Youth Reference Group, helping to ensure that services remained accessible and relevant to young people. During this time, he also represented Youth Focus as a Youth Ambassador, speaking at events, participating in community initiatives, and helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health through sharing his own experiences. Joel's commitment to supporting young people also extended to fundraising for mental health services, personally raising over $10,000 for Youth Focus through the Hawaiian Ride for Youth campaign. Alongside his counselling work, Joel currently works as a support worker, supporting individuals living with autism, learning difficulties and disabilities, schizophrenia, and a range of physical health challenges. This experience has strengthened his understanding of the different challenges people can face and reinforced his belief that every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and understanding. Joel is known for his warm, friendly and approachable nature. He aims to create a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where clients feel comfortable talking openly about their experiences. He believes that counselling works best when it is collaborative, and he values helping clients feel heard, understood and in control of the direction of their sessions. His approach is primarily person-centred and strengths-based, while also drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Joel works with children, adolescents and adults and has a particular interest in supporting people experiencing anxiety, low mood, self-esteem concerns, life transitions and other personal challenges. Outside of counselling, Joel has a strong interest in sport, fitness and the positive role that physical activity can play in supporting mental wellbeing. He is passionate about helping people recognise their strengths, overcome challenges and move towards the life they want to live.