Joshua Vander Zwaag, LISW

As a mental health therapist and former police officer with over 15 years of combined experience in law enforcement and clinical counseling, I have a clear, real-world understanding of how stress, trauma, and pressure affect people. I take a practical, straightforward approach to therapy—focused on identifying what’s holding you back and helping you move forward with confidence and purpose. I work with individuals, couples, families, college students, first responders, and military personnel. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, burnout, or major life transitions, I help you define your goals and build a focused plan to achieve them. I don’t believe in vague advice or unnecessary steps. Therapy with me is about honest conversations, actionable strategies, and achieving real progress. My approach is straightforward and flexible. I use evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, Gestalt therapy, and EMDR. These tools help with managing stress, working through trauma, improving communication, and navigating life’s challenges. I don’t follow a script—each session is tailored to what’s actually useful for you. I’m trained in EMDR, a trauma-informed therapy designed to help people process and move beyond painful memories and experiences. It’s especially effective for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and unresolved grief. I’m also certified in individual and group crisis intervention through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), which equips me to support clients during high-stress and critical events. Therapy doesn’t need to be complicated or dragged out. It should be focused, honest, and goal-driven. If you’re ready to do the work, I’m here to meet you where you are and help you build clarity, strength, and resilience—one step at a time. Currently accepting NEW CLIENTS via telehealth. I will be able to offer in person sessions and accept Wellmark BCBS in July.