Joey Tellez, LSW
Therapist
Find the words for your thoughts and feelings and recognize your own potential for growth, healing, and confidence with Joey!
Joey is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) specializing in Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoeducation, and Trauma-Informed Care.
You can meet Joey in person at our Wauconda, Illinois location or virtually in the state of Illinois. He offers sessions in English and Spanish.
Why Joey does this work
“I am passionate about empowering people rather than trying to ‘fix’ them. It’s also important to me to provide representation as a male therapist. I want men of all backgrounds to have a space where they can be vulnerable and ask for support without feeling that it takes away from their masculinity. I hope to help challenge the stigma surrounding men and mental health, and show that vulnerability and emotional expression can actually be signs of strength.”
His approach to therapy
“My philosophy and approach to therapy starts with the belief that you are a HUMAN before anything else.
My role is to walk alongside someone as they better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, challenge the thoughts or experiences that may be holding them back, and work toward the person they want to become. Ultimately, I create a space where clients feel heard, respected, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.”
The space he creates
“I help new clients feel safe and comfortable by showing interest in who they are outside of the therapeutic space and getting to know them as a person first. I also acknowledge that therapy can feel intimidating, especially when meeting someone new. I reassure my clients that we will move at their pace and that they will never be rushed or pressured to share parts of their story before they are ready. My goal is to create a space where everyone can feel comfortable, respected and in control of their therapeutic journey.”
His methods
“I believe healing looks different for everyone, so I meet clients where they are and tailor my approach to their individual needs. I use methods such as person-centered therapy, CBT, psychoeducation, strengths-based interventions, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Most importantly, I help clients recognize their own strengths, develop healthier perspectives and coping skills, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
On a personal level
“I fully live by the motto ‘look good, feel good.’ I’ll put together an outfit even if I’m just going to the grocery store. My favorite hobbies are running and cooking, and my happy places are spending time with the people I love and being outdoors. For self care, I enjoy having time to myself to relax, recharge, and maybe do a little shopping. And I love everything about Halloween, but scary movies? Not so much. Don’t judge me. This is a safe space after all.”
Joey’s goal for his clients
“My goal is to help clients reach a place where they feel confident in who they are and capable of navigating life’s challenges independently. I want clients to better understand themselves, feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions, and recognize the strengths they already have within them. Ultimately, I want them to leave therapy feeling empowered to advocate for themselves, make decisions that align with who they want to be, and continue growing even after our work together has ended.”
Begin your healing journey today
Reach out to us to get started!