Joel Schmidt, Licensed Therapist
Hey, I’m Joel. I work with successful and driven professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and people in the public eye. Many of the people I work with are respected, capable, and outwardly doing well, yet feel chronically tense, overextended, or stuck internally. This often shows up as a constant pressure to perform, stay composed, and not let anything slip.
I specialize in anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, and high-functioning stress, including issues like fear of flying or panic that can quietly limit your freedom. My approach is practical and solution focused, helping you understand what is happening and move toward meaningful, lasting change rather than ongoing symptom management. The goal is not to make you someone else, but to help you operate with more clarity, steadiness, and choice.
About Me
I’ve been a therapist for about 15 years and am the co-owner of a group practice my wife, Summer, and I opened in 2017. My work has included years of clinical experience as well as building and leading a practice, which gives me a practical understanding of the pressures many driven, high-functioning adults face.
Outside of work, I enjoy being near the water, traveling when possible, watching college football (Go Big Red!), and spending time with our two black greyhounds, Harry and Jack. I value balance, perspective, and simplicity, and those values show up in how I work with clients.
My Approach
My approach is collaborative, solution focused, and grounded in evidence-based work. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you relate differently to anxious thoughts and internal pressure, and Exposure and Response Prevention to gradually reduce avoidance and regain flexibility where fear has taken over. The work is practical and intentional, with a focus on real change rather than endless insight. We move at a pace that is challenging but steady, and always aligned with what matters most to you.
My "Willing to Fly" Program for Anxious Fliers
I created Willing to Fly to help people face flight anxiety using evidence-based strategies rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy principles.
Active Clients working on the fear of flying will receive a copy of the “Willing to Fly” ebook/workbook at no cost to supplement therapy.