I’m a licensed therapist who specializes in anxiety, panic, and fear of flying. 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. My approach is collaborative and solution-focused — not just listening, but actively helping you build momentum and tackle the mental roadblocks holding you back.
Active Clients working on the fear of flying will receive a complimentary copy of the "Willing to Fly" ebook/workbook to supplement therapy.
How Can I Help?
Anxiety, Depression, Career Counseling, Men’s Counseling, Grief Counseling, Low Self-Esteem and more...
About Joel Schmidt, MA, LMHC
Hi, I’m Joel — a therapist, Navy veteran, husband, dog dad, and the creator of Willing to Fly - a program that helps fearful fliers. I specialize in helping people face the fears that hijack their lives — whether it’s anxiety that shows up in relationships, career stress, panic attacks, OCD, or specific fears like public speaking or flying. If you’ve ever felt like your mind is always on alert, or like fear is keeping you from doing something important, you’re in the right place.
I work with all kinds of people — professionals, entrepreneurs, students, athletes, actors — people who are usually capable and driven, but find themselves stuck in patterns of overthinking, avoidance, or burnout. My style is collaborative and to the point. Yes, I’ll listen — but I’ll also tell you what I see, give you straightforward feedback, and help you take action toward meaningful change. Therapy with me isn’t cold or clinical. It’s work that’s serious enough to get results, but human, honest, and not afraid to laugh along the way.
I launched Float On Counseling in 2017 as a solo practice and have since grown it into a multi-office group. I'm originally from Nebraska, spent most of my adult life in Florida, and now live near the coast in South Carolina. I offer virtual sessions in both FL and SC, and when I'm not working, you’ll find me exploring local spots, traveling, catching live music, watching college football, or just enjoying good food and coastal life with my wife and our 2 greyhounds.
Why I became a Counselor?
I knew I wanted to be a Counselor from an early age. I had my first experience in Counseling when I was about ten years old as my family was dealing with some difficulties and I found the experience to be so helpful…Having a neutral person to open up to and to provide perspective outside of my bubble of friends and family was powerful and really helped me deal with some of the hard things I was going through. I remember thinking then that I someday wanted to be able to provide the same kind of space for people.
As someone who has had to figure out anxiety from first-hand experience, I'm extremely knowledgeable and passionate about helping others overcome the same struggles. If you're dealing with specific fears/phobias, panic attacks, excessive worry, social anxiety, or general anxiety issues, living a more fearless life is possible and I can help!
Education, Experience, and Approach
Float on Counseling, LLC – Owner & Counselor
I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2013 and have a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska. Before launching Float on Counseling in July of 2017, experience included: Supervising a clinical team at DACCO’s Felony Drug Court Program, providing therapy services in a residential setting at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and working as a Therapist at “A Counseling Center” in Melbourne, FL. My approach for therapy is collaborative and solution-focused. This means I work with people to identify problem areas, establish goals, and make a plan for moving forward and getting unstuck.
I utilize mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies that allow us to interact more effectively with unwanted and unhelpful thoughts. As it relates to anxiety disorders, I use an evidence-based and structured approach to help people understand their anxiety and learn the most effective strategies for coping and expanding the experiences they are able to take on in life. When it comes to issues surrounding excessive or problematic drinking, I take an alternative approach rooted in harm-reduction and moderation instead of traditional abstinence-based models that lean heavily on AA/12-step philosophies.
See link for South Carolina License Verification: Registration Number 1474
See link for Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor Verification: License Number MH14643