Meet Joey

Hi, I’m Joey Jachec.

I’m a human first, and therapist second.

Living overseas in elementary school, I experienced other cultures up close. At a young age, I realized that despite our differences, we all share a common humanity. 

Years later, as an exceptional educator who specialized in working with youth with severe behavioral challenges, learning difficulties, and developmental delays, I worked with students and families navigating grief, loss, and trauma in educational settings. I found myself advocating for marginalized students who needed more resources from our under-funded school system.

I started looking for another way to be an advocate in our community, which set me on the path to becoming a counselor. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I advocate for my clients, celebrate their progress, and witness their incredible resilience and strength. 

I believe we all have something to teach each other, so I bring my values of transparency, curiosity, and lifelong learning into every session. Listening and responding to clients without judgment fosters a safe, trusting relationship. I am a safe ally of the LGBTQ+ community and am committed to inclusion, dignity, and respect for every client.

I’d be honored to talk with you about whether therapy would be a good fit for you.

My Credentials

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Florida

  • National Certified Counselor

  • EMDR-Trained Clinician, with additional RTEP/GTEP training.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy Nationally Trained Clinician

  • DBT Level 1 Trained Clinician

  • Gottman Method Level 1 Trained Clinician

  • Previously certified Exceptional Educator in Florida, California and Massachusetts

My Professional Affiliations

  • Space Coast Mental Health Counselors Association, Board Member (5th term)

  • Florida Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, Member, Past Board Member 2020-2021

  • American Counselors Association, Member, & Florida Counselors Association Member

  • European Branch of the American Counselors Association, Member

  • American Mental Health Counselors Association, Member & Florida Mental Health Counselors Association Member

Professional Affiliations as a Past Educator

  • Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development

  • Council for Exceptional Children

  • Division on Developmental Disabilities

  • Autism Society of America

  • Autism Research Institute

 

My Education

  • Stetson University: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2020

  • California State University: Certificate in Behavioral Analysis, 2006

  • Fitchburg State College: Certificate in Wilson Language, 2000

  • University of Central Florida: Bachelor of Science in Special Education of the Severely Emotionally Disturbed, 1998

Research, Presentations & Awards

  • Volunteer Counselor: Working with Inua: Partners in Hope, a multicultural, multidisciplinary team serving orphaned and vulnerable youth in Naivasha, Kenya. I first began this work as a research assistant and now continue as a labor of love.  

  • Co-Presenter: Creative Interventions: Counseling Vulnerable Youth Across Borders with Drs. Thanasiu, Roach, & Burnett of Stetson University at both:

    • Association for Creativity in Counseling 2020 Annual Conference (Virtual)

    • European Branch of the American Counseling Association 2019 Annual Conference in Vienna, Austria

  • Counselor Education Research & Scholarly Activity Award, Stetson University Merit Based Scholarship, 2020

  • Shining Star Award: Rising Star Amongst Clinical Counselors, presented at Space Coast Mental Health Counselors Association Annual Gala, 2019

Outside the Office

When I’m not counseling, I like to spend my self-care time in the water, usually kayaking, boating, or snorkeling…and sharing these adventures with family and friends. I really enjoy traveling, camping, and reading as well.

I’d love to speak with you.

A skilled, caring therapist can help you heal, grow, and flourish. Now is a great time to let my skill set and gentle presence support you in moving beyond today’s challenges and begin to flourish! Schedule a free 15-minute consultation so I can understand what you are experiencing and how I can help.