JOANNA GORRES, RP
1. What led you to become a therapist, and what keeps you engaged in this work today?
Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years working in tech while also being in therapy myself. During the pandemic lockdowns, having more time to slow down and reflect made it clear that counselling psychology was something I’d been carrying in the back of my mind for a long time. I decided to pursue my master’s in Counselling Psychology with the hope of offering others the same kind of insight, growth, and perspective that therapy had given me.
2. How would you describe your therapeutic style and what it’s like to work with you?
My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded. I try to create a consistent space where people can unmask, think out loud, and make sense of what’s been going on for them. I’m supportive, but I also gently challenge clients when it’s helpful, especially when patterns feel stuck. I work well with people who want depth, reflection, and practical insight rather than quick fixes.
3. What kinds of concerns or life challenges do you most enjoy and feel most skilled in supporting?
I work with individuals from Filipino, Christian or ex-Christian, and queer communities, as well as students and young professionals. I have experience supporting clients with ADHD, OCD, BPD, addictions, and concurrent disorders. I also do a lot of couples therapy and family therapy, especially when people want to repair relationships, improve communication, and better understand one another.
4. Who tends to be a good fit for your approach to therapy?
I’m a good fit for people who benefit from having a regular, reliable space to talk things through and process out loud. Many of my long-term clients use therapy flexibly. Some come weekly or bi-weekly, others come for a few weeks, take a break, and return when they need support again. Therapy doesn’t have to be all or nothing, it can be something you come back to over time.
5. What values guide your work as a therapist and the relationships you build with clients?
I believe people are not disposable and that growth and repair are possible, even when things feel hard or messy. In individual therapy, I mainly draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy, helping clients understand their values, make sense of their stories, and live in ways that feel more aligned and intentional. In couples and family therapy, I’m informed by the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy, with a focus on helping people feel heard, repair ruptures, and find common ground while respecting differences.