- CBT focused
- ACT and DBT tools
- Addiction experience
About Joseph
Joseph Rifici is an Ohio LPCC with 14 years of counseling experience. He works with adults on issues including anger, addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, and life changes. He also helps people dealing with ADHD, bipolar symptoms, sleep problems, and struggles around intimacy and self-esteem.
Rifici trained at The Ohio State University and earned a Master of Arts in Education for Community Counseling from the University of Akron. Early in his career he worked at a residential addiction treatment center in Akron, delivering individual and group therapy, brief family sessions, crisis intervention, and case management for adult men with chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health issues. He later moved into a supervisory role managing treatment teams and coordinating admissions and discharges.
He has focused training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and addiction treatment. He also completed advanced instruction in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with the Beck Institute. In recent years he has provided treatment services in private organizations, working with adults across a wide range of mental health concerns.
In sessions he relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral approaches and integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered, and Existential ideas as needed. He aims for straightforward work that helps people notice patterns, practice skills, and make clearer choices about how they respond to anger, cravings, or stress.
Outside of work he lives in Ohio, enjoys hiking and music, reads regularly, spends time with family and friends, and hangs out with his cat, Charlie.
How his approaches translate to online work
He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT is practical for anger, anxiety, sleep problems, and mood symptoms. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which focuses on values and committed action when emotions feel overwhelming.Sessions may also include Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for managing intense feelings and improving distress tolerance. DBT tools are useful for impulse control, emotional regulation, and reducing reactive behavior. Together these approaches mix skill practice, reflection, and action planning so clients can try different responses to anger and stress.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will work with each person to choose techniques that match their goals and daily life. That might mean practicing grounding or thought records between sessions and checking what helps most.
The therapist's biography does not specify which online formats he uses, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Discuss format preferences when you schedule the first appointment so sessions fit practical needs and day-to-day routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address in therapy?
He works with anger, addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family concerns, grief, sleep problems, self-esteem, ADHD, bipolar symptoms, and related issues.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral methods and blends ACT, DBT, Client-Centered, and Existential approaches to fit each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 14 years of experience, including residential addiction treatment, supervisory roles, and recent work in private organizations.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an Ohio LPCC and practices in Ohio.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Costs vary by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.