Joonas Vehvilainen, BACP

Joonas Vehvilainen helps people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, eating concerns, low self esteem, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related worries, anger and depression. He also focuses on attachment problems, body image, codependency, impulsivity and issues around fatherhood and separation. Joonas speaks English and Finnish and works from the United Kingdom.

He trained in psychology at the University of York and then studied neuroscience at King’s College London, where he looked closely at behaviour linked to addiction and mental health. He later completed a master’s in addiction psychology and counselling at London South Bank University and has worked in a range of mental health roles since 2016.

Early roles included healthcare assistant work in a mental health unit and recovery support for people living in supported accommodation. He then worked part time as a counsellor for the NHS and several charities while completing his studies. These roles shaped a practical approach that blends skills teaching with emotional support and straightforward explanation.

Joonas is a BACP member, which reflects his professional registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. He has delivered more than 1,000 hours of counselling and began his own practice in 2022, alongside work as an addiction therapist in Scotland.

In sessions he typically helps people name what they are struggling with, learn coping skills and try new ways of handling difficult thoughts or urges. He aims for clear, practical work and a calm, supportive presence in the room. If someone wants to explore options, he helps them pick approaches that suit their goals and situation.

Approaches that translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and life direction worries. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships affect current patterns and helps people build safer ways of relating and feeling connected. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down problems into thoughts, feelings and behaviours and teaches practical techniques to change unhelpful habits and reduce distress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then try methods together. This is a collaborative process where plans are adjusted based on what helps most.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as current options are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, study and family life and can reduce travel time. It also makes it simpler to join from another country when that is needed. Many people find short check-ins or sessions that do not require being on camera helpful for busy days, and practical skills work translates well to remote sessions when needed.