JOE MAKDISI

You’ve been carrying more than most people will ever see. Perhaps you grew up in an environment that highly values self-control and performance, leading you to hold yourself to standards that rarely allow for mistakes. Or perhaps you feel the opposite: your emotions are so intense they feel unmanageable, leaving you exhausted and disconnected. Whether you are holding it all together through quiet burnout or feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of your emotions, you may be wondering: Does it have to be this way?

I help adults move from quiet suffering or emotional chaos toward a life of openness and stability. My goal is to help you build the ability to stay present with yourself and others. Together, we will slow down and create a space where you can say what you truly feel and need without guilt, building the trust and deep connection you’ve been longing for.

My Approach
I believe therapy works best when it moves beyond just talking about problems to address the root of what keeps us stuck. My primary lens is Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), an active psychodynamic approach designed to address deep-seated emotional challenges and relationship blocks. I also integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed methods. I have also been trained in Brainspotting (level 1). This allows us to build a solid foundation of stability and skills while doing the deeper work of healing and change.

About Me
I hold a Master of Social Work and spent my previous career as a story producer, which gave me a deep appreciation for the complex narratives we all live out. In my work and my life, I’ve come to value showing up as myself and meeting you where you are. 

I’m a husband and a father, and I value the simple things: hanging out with my family, watching a good movie, or a quiet morning at a local coffee shop. I stay active in my local community and my personal life is grounded in my faith and contemplative prayer. If you desire, I welcome the opportunity to walk with those who want to explore or integrate their spiritual journey with honesty and depth.