Absolutely. I have in fact recommended Josh to friends who have found him to be as effective and a “must have” in their life, as I have. What differentiates Josh’s approach is that he is always transparent and truthful. He is not afraid to take sides and will tell you exactly as it is…with kindness and humanity…because what good is a therapist unless they’re willing to hold a mirror up to you and keep you accountable. With Josh’s help, I feel like I actually have a shot at overcoming the trauma I’ve experienced and lead a fulfilling life..where I get what I want and can keep & enjoy it.

Prior to working with Josh, I struggled to get through everyday challenges without crippling anxiety, which would then result in overwhelming shame. Through my work with Josh I’ve been able to examine these feelings with the goal of understanding and of learning ways to deal with them. I’m now able to recognize and understand what’s happening in those moments and use the coping skills we’ve practiced in order to get through. As cliche as it sounds, it’s been life changing. I realize when I’m spiraling due to anxiety and am able to move through the moment without letting it control me. This ability to stay present has led to improved communication and advocacy in my personal life and at work. My marriage and other relationships are stronger because of it and it’s led to tangible success in the workplace.

Working with Josh, I don’t feel like I’m visiting a doctor to get a diagnosis or to get treatment. He never talks down to me, there’s absolutely no superiority in his demeanor. He’s listening to understand, not to respond. I’m often blown away by his ability to translate my ramblings and make complete sense of them; it feels like he just has an incredibly deep understanding of what it is to be human. Each session is an active conversation, it’s never exactly the same, and he’s able to seamlessly pull from different methodologies, resources, or tactics depending on where I am and what I need that day. His communication style fosters a calm, safe, open, and non-judgmental environment, which allows for the vulnerability required for growth. 

When friends looking for mental health support have asked me about my experience, I’ve never thought twice about recommending Josh or the Village Institute. I highlight the warm and comfortable environment, whether in person or online, which makes it feel safe to be vulnerable. I mention the judgment-free care, and the fact that my time working with Josh has changed the way that I interact with the world around me for the better.

Josh is not a therapist who’s cagey or seems mysterious; he talks about and shares stories from his own life, but only as they’re relevant to what’s going on with me (never in a way that feels like we’re taking up too much time talking about him!). This has been really effective in creating a comfortable environment for me, as I find it easier to talk honestly when I’m not the only one sharing information about myself. He also is very non-judgmental; I’m sure there are times when he’s secretly been wondering what on earth I was thinking…. but he doesn’t show it! I never feel ashamed to share stories, even when they might be embarrassing or when I have to relay bad decisions I’ve made or regrets about how I’ve handled something. He also never pushes me towards a decision or conclusion that I’m not ready to make.