Joel Rittenhouse, Ed.S., Resident in Counseling, brings over nine years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families as a school counselor in both elementary and high school settings. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Digital Media and a minor in Theatre from Eastern Mennonite University, a Master of Education in School Counseling from James Madison University with coursework equivalent to an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling, and a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice in Education from Eastern Mennonite University.
Joel provides individual and family counseling to children of all ages, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Throughout his career, he has helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate anxiety, depression, stress, anger and emotional regulation, ADHD, interpersonal conflict, academic and workplace challenges, grief and loss, divorce and family transitions, trauma, low self-esteem, behavioral concerns, social difficulties, identity development, and major life changes. He also has experience supporting first-generation individuals, newcomers to the United States, and families adjusting to cultural and environmental transitions. His professional background includes individual counseling, group counseling, family-focused interventions, crisis support, restorative practices, and educational and career counseling.
Joel is especially passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals, including clients with ADHD and those who may experience challenges related to executive functioning, attention, organization, emotional regulation, motivation, and self-confidence. Drawing from both his professional background and his personal experience with ADHD, Joel understands how difficult it can be to navigate environments that may not consistently recognize, accommodate, or value neurodiverse needs and perspectives. He uses a strengths-based and affirming approach to help clients better understand themselves, identify their unique abilities, develop practical coping strategies, and build greater confidence and self-acceptance. Joel believes neurodivergent individuals possess meaningful strengths, creativity, and resilience that can thrive when they are provided with the appropriate support and opportunities.
Joel’s therapeutic approach incorporates person-centered therapy, family systems theory, play therapy, strengths-based interventions, restorative practices, and developmentally appropriate coping-skills education. He works collaboratively with clients and families to strengthen communication, improve emotional awareness, develop healthier relationships, manage difficult emotions, and create realistic strategies for navigating everyday challenges. Joel recognizes that traditional talk therapy may not be effective or comfortable for every client, particularly children and neurodivergent individuals. He therefore strives to create a flexible, engaging, and individualized therapeutic environment that may incorporate play, creativity, movement, activities, and clients’ personal interests.
At the foundation of Joel’s work is the belief that every person deserves a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space in which they can be fully themselves. His goal is to help clients challenge limiting beliefs, recognize their strengths, improve their relationships, and develop the skills and confidence needed to create meaningful and lasting change.
Originally from southeastern Pennsylvania, Joel fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley after college and has lived in Harrisonburg since 2012. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys hiking, cooking, exploring new foods, traveling, playing board and video games, reading fantasy literature, and spending time with his wife and two children.
