Joel Blackstock

Joel is a Birmingham native and licensed clinical social work supervisor. He received his BA in comparative religion from Sewanee: The University of the South and his Master’s in Social Work with adults and families from The University of Alabama. He was awarded the Master’s Scholar award for his education at UA. Across his 10 year career he has run a youth program for adolescents, worked with geriatric memory care patients, and worked with a community mental health program in service of chronically homeless patients with schizophrenia and severe mental illness. Joel is the founder of Taproot Therapy Collective in Hoover, Alabama. Joel’s academic areas of study include mythology, world religions, depth psychology, trauma theories, architecture, design, philosophy, ancient history, and cultural anthropology; as well as the history and philosophy of psychotherapy practice. Joel uses his diversity of academic and professional experience in therapy through an eclectic integration of many techniques for growth, healing, and meaning. Joel believes that therapy must begin with a genuine appreciation for each patient’s unique story and individuality. Joel is an Emotional Transformation Therapy certified complex trauma therapist, EMDR trained and Brainspotting Phase 2 trained clinician who often utilizes parts-based therapies and existential approaches. These help clients overcome problems in a non-judgmental environment with fast paced progress. Joel specializes in helping clients harness their own creativity and strengths to overcome barriers for growth and healing. When treating trauma, Joel uses a “trauma map” to allow patients to understand how trauma is affecting their emotional reality, physical sensations, somatic feelings, posture, communication style, and unconscious reactions. ​ In his personal life, Joel is an avid reader and home chef. He spends most weekends hiking and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and children. He is passionate about travel and exploring new cultures as well as new ways of being. In addition to working as a therapist, he also works as a photographer and writer. Joel is the founder and clinical director of Taproot Therapy Collective.