Joonas Vehvilainen, BACP
Neuroscience-informed therapist for addiction and mental health
- Addiction and recovery focus
- Evidence-based techniques
- Speaks English and Finnish
About Joonas Vehvilainen
Originally from Finland, Joonas Vehvilainen has also lived in Thailand and the USA and now practices in the United Kingdom, where he has spent much of his life. From an early age he was intrigued by how the mind and brain work, which led him to study psychology and later to specialise in the behavioural side of addiction and mental health.
He completed an undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of York in 2014, followed by a master’s degree in neuroscience at King’s College London in 2015 with a focus on behaviour related to addiction and mental health. To gain clinical experience he worked in London from 2016 to 2019 as a healthcare assistant in a mental health unit and as a recovery worker in supported accommodation for people facing mental health and addiction challenges. In 2019 he began a master’s in addiction psychology and counselling at London South Bank University while also working part-time as a counsellor for the NHS, Humankind, and WDP from 2019 to 2021. Those early counselling roles helped him refine how to assess client concerns, teach coping skills, provide psychoeducation, and offer emotional support.
In 2021 he became a certified member of the British Association of Counselling Practitioners (BACP) and Addiction Professionals. He has delivered over 1,000 hours of counselling in recent years and in 2022 launched his own practice while also working as an addiction therapist at Castle Craig Hospital in Scotland. Joonas draws on a broad clinical toolkit, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
He works with a wide range of difficulties such as stress, anxiety, addictions, eating concerns, self-esteem issues, ADHD, family and relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, and depression, as well as related focus areas like attachment issues, codependency, body image, recovery from substance use, and post-traumatic stress. He provides therapy in English and Finnish and welcomes clients who are ready to seek support.
He completed an undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of York in 2014, followed by a master’s degree in neuroscience at King’s College London in 2015 with a focus on behaviour related to addiction and mental health. To gain clinical experience he worked in London from 2016 to 2019 as a healthcare assistant in a mental health unit and as a recovery worker in supported accommodation for people facing mental health and addiction challenges. In 2019 he began a master’s in addiction psychology and counselling at London South Bank University while also working part-time as a counsellor for the NHS, Humankind, and WDP from 2019 to 2021. Those early counselling roles helped him refine how to assess client concerns, teach coping skills, provide psychoeducation, and offer emotional support.
In 2021 he became a certified member of the British Association of Counselling Practitioners (BACP) and Addiction Professionals. He has delivered over 1,000 hours of counselling in recent years and in 2022 launched his own practice while also working as an addiction therapist at Castle Craig Hospital in Scotland. Joonas draws on a broad clinical toolkit, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
He works with a wide range of difficulties such as stress, anxiety, addictions, eating concerns, self-esteem issues, ADHD, family and relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, and depression, as well as related focus areas like attachment issues, codependency, body image, recovery from substance use, and post-traumatic stress. He provides therapy in English and Finnish and welcomes clients who are ready to seek support.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Attachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCodependencyDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeNarcissismPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobia
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Joonas Vehvilainen have?
Joonas Vehvilainen has 4 years of clinical experience.
Is Joonas Vehvilainen a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the BACP credential - a membership with the British Association of Counselling Practitioners.
In which languages does Joonas Vehvilainen provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English and Finnish.
Where is Joonas Vehvilainen located?
He is located in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Joonas Vehvilainen as my therapist?
You can work with Joonas Vehvilainen through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Joonas Vehvilainen work with international clients?
Yes, Joonas Vehvilainen works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Joonas Vehvilainen cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit for You?
Many people wonder whether engaging with a therapist online can make a meaningful difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions for many individuals.One of the main advantages of remote therapy is flexibility. Clients can choose the mode of communication that suits them best - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which can make it easier to incorporate therapy into a busy life or to access support from a distance.
Licensed professionals and therapists offering remote sessions bring the same training and therapeutic approaches they use in person, and clients are free to request a different therapist at any time if they feel a different match would be more helpful. Online therapy can be a practical option for people seeking consistent, accessible support while working toward their goals.
Ready to start therapy with Joonas Vehvilainen?
Take the first step toward a better you.