Andrea Kay Joensuu

Simply put, I work with what I know deeply—what I understand both professionally and personally, and where my compassion naturally flows. Supporting individuals through anxiety and depression is a core strength of mine, shaped by years of experience and a deep sense of empathy. I am especially passionate about working with mothers—helping them navigate parenting, relationships, personal development, and life’s many complexities. My approach is both encouraging and practical, offering tangible tools and effective strategies that support real, lasting change.

I practice from a holistic, values-based perspective. I believe that when we live out of alignment with our personal values, we sacrifice not only happiness but our overall sense of well-being. In both my personal and professional life, I strive for balance and embrace the reality that sometimes, compromise is necessary. My work has taught me a powerful truth: no one can "have it all"—but we can have what matters most.

"I believe that when we live out of alignment with our personal values, we sacrifice not only happiness but our overall sense of well-being."

As a parent of a large family, I bring lived experience into the therapeutic space. I understand the challenges of multitasking, high demands, and emotional juggling. While earning my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, I was raising my very large family—an experience that deepened both my resilience and insight.

After graduation, I worked extensively with families and children and became a fully licensed psychotherapist. In 2006, my family moved to Finland, where I was approved as a governmental healthcare provider and opened my private practice. There, I focused on maternal mental health, anxiety and depression, parenting, adolescence, trauma, and grief. I also led numerous public workshops and presentations on mental health and wellness—roles I found deeply fulfilling.

In 2018, my passion for holistic health led my husband and me to open Lifesimply, a wellness center tucked away in the peaceful Finnish forest. Surrounded by birch and pine, we hosted individuals and small businesses seeking renewal, balance, and sustainable tools for self-growth. I loved the opportunity to guide others as both coach and teacher.

Despite all of my academic and clinical training, my deepest understanding of grief came in 2019, when I lost both of my parents within four months of each other.  The grief was consuming. The words “Grief is the price we pay for love” took on a profoundly personal meaning. Rather than "moving on," I’ve learned to live with sorrow while still allowing joy and purpose to grow around it. This experience added depth to my trauma and grief work, turning it into another area of both passion and professional strength.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Now based in Arizona since 2022, I continue to support individuals across all ages in creating more grounded, intentional, fulfilling and functional lives.  Every day, I’m inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and feel honored to be invited into the lives of those I support.

While everyone draws strength from different places, I personally find joy in art and design, physical exercise, and being in nature. I’ve been described as warm, organized, visual, active, and deeply grateful. Most central to who I am, however, are my faith and my family.

In our work together, I will walk gently beside you—but I will also help you stay grounded, focused, and supported. I will guide you to explore your thoughts, clarify your needs, build a meaningful plan, and find simple, achievable solutions. Together, we’ll work toward sustainable, positive outcomes—because creating better life stories is one of life’s most rewarding journeys.