Joel Guarna, Ph.D.

About Me

I have been a student of psychology, the mind, and human behavior for over 30 years. My patients and clients have been my primary teachers, sharing with me the hard-won wisdom of their direct experiences. Helping them navigate their challenges has enriched my own life and taught me a range of strategies and perspectives that may also help you. I do not treat disorders, I treat whole individuals. I help some clients to identify and remove themselves from patterns that keep them stuck and that keep them from living as fully as they would wish. I help other clients learn to carry heavy burdens differently, burdens of loss, chronic pain and chronic illness. While many of us know our struggles by name (e.g., anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction), just as important is what we are seeking: greater closeness and intimacy, connection with others, purpose and meaning, a richer and more fulfilling life. These ends justify the hard work of therapy and personal growth and lie at the heart of most people’s desire to change.

More About My Practice

Many clients come to me seeking a specific approach to addressing their difficulties and suffering. I am experienced both using and teaching cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies. My primary approach to therapy is an innovative form of CBT known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a scientifically-based therapy that uses mind-body techniques and creative exercises to promote a fundamental shift in how you experience troublesome thoughts, feelings, memories, and bodily discomfort. Using ACT, we can empower you to end unhelpful struggles with your own mind and body and to help you take action in valued areas of life.

My Specialties

I help my clients apply specific approaches like CBT and ACT to a wide range of challenges, including anxiety and depression, trauma, substance use disorders, and chronic health conditions and chronic pain. I am experienced working in a variety of medical settings and, in my private practice, specialize in “helping helpers” like physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as well as therapists and teachers. I also have a long-term and growing interest in taking psychology outside the treatment of mental health conditions. There is much potential in the use of creative psychological models and strategies in both individual and group coaching and consulting to help all people achieve personal goals, maintain mind-body wellness, and pursue purpose and meaning.

Education and Career Background

• Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (2018-present)

• Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship (BFEF), Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (2022-2023)

• Certificate in Primary Care Behavioral Health, UMass Medical School (2010) 

• Ph.D. in Psychology (Clinical), Bowling Green State University

• MA in Psychology, Bowling Green State University

• BA in Psychology, Bucknell University 

• Director of Education and Outreach and Supervising Psychologist, Psychology Specialists of Maine (2024-present)

• Behavioral Health Faculty Lead, Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency (2019-2024)

• Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Tufts School of Medicine (2020-2024)

• Psychologist in Private Practice, Portland, ME (2006-2024)

• Psychologist and Co-Director, Living Life Well Pain Rehabilitation Program, Pain Center at Northern Light Mercy Hospital (2013-2020)

• Psychologist, Maine Health, Behavioral Health Integration, MMP Endocrinology and Diabetes Center (2016-2019)

• Psychologist, Private Practice, Dover, NH (2005-2006)

• Instructor in Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School (2003-2005)

• Psychologist, Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program, VA Boston Healthcare (2002-2005)

• Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychology/Substance Use, VA Boston Healthcare (2000-2001)

• Psychology Predoctoral Intern, Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology (1999-2000)

• Psychology Trainee, Bowling Green State University (1995-1999)

• Substance Abuse Counselor, Treatment Trends, Inc., Allentown, PA (1994-1995)