From the first moment of successfully leaving our mother's body and beginning to breath on our own, we began a life journey that mirrors our own epic story. This epic is similar to those I used to watch as a child at the Sunday evening movies. Usually a hero, for instance, Hercules, would be engaged in ongoing event-filled days of danger, challenge, and conquest. Along the way there were characters who attempted to thwart his efforts or support his quest. His focus remained resolute and steadfast and was usually met with success. If not doing that hour definitely by part two he would be the victor. Our life challenges, however, are not usually met with the excitement of a movie; and success in overcoming them is not usually with one or even two hours. But like old movies, our challenges involve obstacles, dangers, wonders, and successes of varying dimensions. These challenges for many of us serve to push us forward to take another breath of life and to continue our personal life walk. From each push, breath, and challenge we can choose to learn and experience success or satisfaction with how we are engaging with life.
I am Joy Smith McElveen, a licensed clinical social worker in New Orleans, LA.. Like many of you, my epic story is filled with many challenges of major life disappointments, frustrations, illness, fears, anxiety, depression, and anger. However, there was always a sense of wonder which generated happy times, love, and a glimmer of hope-filled days. Focusing on the wonders of hope helps me put challenges and obstacles into a perspective that allows me to build change efforts. I think it is having a sense of hope, the real wonder, that pushes us forward despite the challenge. My practice is based on expanding a search for hope within each person seeking to change direction. Living and breathing demand that we must continue to grow in adjusting, changing, doing, and loving others in our sphere of life. We need to seek, evaluate, and search for meaning to be productive and fulfilled.
My practice is based on using Cognitive Behavior Therapy along with Cognitive Processing Therapy strategies and techniques. These are undergirded with applications from Trauma-Focused therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. These approaches have interconnections with how we can choose to change how we think, feel and behave. They each require that the person seeking to make changes do the worker and the helper is alongside working with her/him. I would like to be one of the characters in your epic story who supports your quest for change.
I have a BA in sociology from Louisiana State University (now UNO); a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor); and a doctorate from Howard University School of Social Work. I have certifications in each treatment approach listed above.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Coping with life changes, Aging and geriatric issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Emptiness, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
LA LCSW 2171
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joy McElveen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Ms Joy is a very great listener and has a gift with the way she helps you through things. Our sessions were very beneficial to my growth as an individual.
Written on Jan 25, 2022 after therapy with Joy for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Ms. Joy is very understanding and allows me to speak my concerns. She’s allowed the spaced to be very freeing and liberating. I’m always excited to speak with her for our sessions.
Written on Jan 19, 2022 after therapy with Joy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Joy is a great listener and she makes it priority to respond to every area of my concerns. She also offers feedback on Journal entries shared with her.
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Joy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
So far so Good. I have only had one session and I’m doing my best to crawl out of this dark space which is on me. I do appreciate Joyce’s advice and kind words. I need to put her suggestions into action and make more appointments.
Written on Nov 23, 2021 after therapy with Joy for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Joy is an amazing, thorough and caring therapist. She hears things you never say she's objective and very optimistic. She's the best therapist I've ever had
Written on Nov 19, 2021 after therapy with Joy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I absolutely LOVE Ms. Joy and she has literally saved my life. I have seen various therapist who I have walked out on but she is amazing and I am thankful to have her.
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Joy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues