Joshua Cooke, CMHC
“We were never meant to build our lives around identity. The brain clings to labels for safety, but healing begins when we stop asking ‘Who am I?’ and start asking, ‘What now?’ Therapy holds space in that in-between—where meaning is reclaimed, not invented, and movement begins with values, not validation.”
About
Joshua D. Cooke is a therapist who helps people find their way through what he calls the space between—the often-overlooked ground between who you were and who you're becoming, between pain and possibility, between performance and peace.
His approach is grounded, values-based, and deeply informed by how the brain and nervous system respond to trauma, stress, and emotional disconnection.
With over a decade of clinical experience, Joshua supports clients working through trauma, suicidality, co-occurring disorders, and the disorientation that comes from trying to “find yourself” in a world that constantly demands definition. He believes that healing doesn’t come from discovering your identity—it comes from learning how to stay present, take action, and build a life that reflects your values.
Joshua holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University and a Certificate in Positive Psychology from the University of Utah. He is trained in Integrated Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (IKAP), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and is Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed.
His clinical work draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, and trauma-focused approaches to help clients build emotional regulation, psychological flexibility, and meaningful momentum.
As a Certified Trauma Professional, Joshua walks with clients through the stuck places—grief, shame, identity collapse, or long-standing self-criticism—and helps them rediscover what it means to choose who they want to be, even when the path forward feels uncertain.
He is also a Level II Gottman-trained couples therapist, supporting partners in rebuilding trust, improving communication, and fostering emotional maturity through practical, evidence-based tools.
“Therapy isn’t about uncovering a hidden self. It’s about learning to live with honesty and integrity in the space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.”
Testimonials
"When I first met Josh I had just lost my brother due to suicide. He had already been working with my mother and her grief and I could see how helpful he was to her. I live out of state from Josh but at the time I was in town for an extended trip to be with my mother. Josh went above and beyond to make himself available to me as much as possible since he knew our time was limited. After I returned home he continued to make time for me whenever I was in town, sometimes skipping lunch and making last minute appointments to squeeze me in. For this alone and owe him a debt of gratitude.
Working with Josh has been the most rewarding therapeutic experience I've had to date. His tenderness and compassion made it easy to be open and honest with him and myself. Josh has a wonderful way of asking you the right questions so you can come to realizations on your own. He's kind and gentle with just the right amount of toughness when you need to push yourself.
My experience with Josh is something I hold very close to me. I never felt as comfortable with other counselors as I did with him. At the time I felt extremely vulnerable, which I hated, but he taught me how vulnerability can be used as a strength, something that I thought was impossible. During our sessions I always felt like he truly cared about me and my well being which allowed that vulnerability to exist. He guided me to look deeper inside of myself so I could face some of my oldest demons. Josh helped me feel like I wasn't alone on my journey to rebuild my life after my brother's death. I owe much of my recovery to him."
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- Peter
I first came to Josh in search of grief counseling after the loss of my adult son. After a brief introduction, my first impression was that he was humble and kind. Josh spent hours with me, listening to my thoughts, feelings, fears, worries, life questions and what if’s. But mostly my faults, for I had blamed myself, all while crying and talking at the same time. I’m sure it was a challenge to understand the words coming out of my mouth. I always felt heard and supported unconditionally. Josh had a way of posing questions where I would come to my own conclusions, solve my own problems. I was impressed at this ability. At the end of every session I felt spent but complete, settled, and resolved.
Josh gave me exercises to do in between sessions to keep me actively working on my recovery. He taught me that grief is like love, both require action to be expressed. I feel Josh was very effective in helping my transition into my new reality. I believe Josh is an amazing counselor who cares about me and my struggles. He was the right person for me at the time I needed him most. I will be forever grateful that God brought him into my circle.
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- Brenda
In my 23+ years of going to therapy, I saw a lot of different people. I always thought they were the right fit but didn’t know they weren’t until I landed with Josh. I didn’t realize that what I was looking for in a therapist was someone like him. He makes you feel safe and comfortable when you are talking about the darkest and most terrifying times in your life. He does it without you feeling judged or “crazy”. Josh is different in the way that he doesn’t provide you with all the answers but guides you to them, so you feel empowered to make your own decisions and trust yourself when you do.
- TD
