Dr. Joseph Vandergriff, RI Psychologist PS01026

Dr. Joseph Vandergriff helps people facing anxiety, stress, grief, low self-esteem, career struggles, and compassion fatigue. He also supports those dealing with aging concerns, caregiver stress, trauma after disasters, divorce, first responder issues, traumatic brain injury, and workplace problems. He is based in Rhode Island and brings 28 years of experience as a psychologist.

He works in a straightforward, conversational way. Sessions focus on what is happening now and on practical steps people can try between meetings. He listens first, then offers ideas grounded in cognitive behavioral approaches and other ways of understanding experience.

Dr. Vandergriff uses questions and reflections to help people tell their story differently. He draws on client-centered and narrative methods to highlight strengths and meaning. Existential ideas are used when people want to clarify values or face big life changes.

Appointments are available by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. The variety of formats makes it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules or to check in between work tasks.

He holds the credential RI Psychologist PS01026, which identifies his license in Rhode Island. People who choose him are guided to set clear goals and take small, doable steps toward change.

Practical approaches for online therapy and life change

Dr. Vandergriff often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches specific skills to reduce anxiety and manage stress. He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes listening, reflecting what matters to the person, and building on strengths to make changes that fit their life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will discuss options and help the client choose what fits their needs, goals, and personal preferences. This is a collaborative process that can shift as concerns change over time.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and teaching coping skills, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat helps with shorter check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between meetings. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy schedules while keeping care consistent.