Joseph Rifici (He/Him), LPCC

Joseph Rifici is a licensed professional clinical counselor with 14 years of experience. He practices in Ohio and uses straightforward, skills-based methods to help people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, and other life challenges.

He began his work in residential addiction treatment, providing individual and group therapy and crisis support. Over time he moved into leadership roles that included supervising staff and coordinating clinical programs. That hands-on background shaped his practical approach to therapy.

In private practice he uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside acceptance and mindfulness-based ideas. Sessions focus on finding clearer thinking patterns, building coping skills, and trying small changes between meetings. He adjusts his style to match what each person needs.

Joseph aims for a warm, direct style. He helps people manage anger, sleep problems, grief, relationship struggles, and issues like codependency or impulse control. He also supports people dealing with trauma, substance use, bipolar mood concerns, ADHD, and identity issues related to LGBT matters.

He offers sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging to fit different schedules. Outside of work he enjoys reading, hiking, music, and time with his cat, Charlie.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Joseph often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions, and is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep troubles, and impulse challenges.

He also draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which emphasizes values and learning to live alongside difficult feelings instead of avoiding them. ACT can help with grief, chronic sadness, and struggles around purpose. Alongside these, a client-centered stance keeps the work focused on what matters to each person and how they want to change.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options with clients, try different techniques, and adjust based on how well they meet goals and preferences. Goals and practical steps are set together rather than imposed.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet. Video calls let people work face to face when visual cues help, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat works for shorter check-ins, and text messaging supports brief updates or reminders. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family, or other commitments.