My name is Bob McElwee, and I have been a clinical therapist for more than 25 years. I am a retired clergyman, and I currently work as a teacher and chaplain at a boys boarding school in Southeast Kansas. My wife and I have raised seven children, and we currently have 15 grandchildren. I have earned master’s degrees in literature, theology, and clinical psychology. Additionally, I also have an associate degree as a motorcycle repair and maintenance technician. In addition to riding and repairing Harley Davidson motorcycles, I enjoy gardening, carpentry, scuba diving, long distance bicycle riding, model trains, exercise, travel, and reading.
As a clergyman I have considerable experience in marriage preparation, couples counseling, divorce adjustment, and grief and bereavement therapy. As a clinical therapist most of my work has been with individual mood disorders (e.g. anxiety and depression). I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT). As such I have worked mostly with people in stressed relationships that have produced individual disfunctions and flawed coping strategies.
My theoretical basis for most of my therapeutic interventions is most accurately described as “Cognitive-Behavioral.” Even so I take “Script Theory” seriously and find it a useful tool in helping people to re-conceptualize and organize their personality structure and characteristics. In this regard I am currently investigating “Narrative Therapy” and its theoretic techniques.
At base I am an optimistic person who believes that people have the ability to recover from past negative experiences if given proper tools, techniques, and encouragement. I enjoy assisting people as they create a productive, responsible, principled, and creative life that they can be proud of, and enjoy.
Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Sexuality, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Internal Family Systems
KS LCMFT LCMFT 069
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Rev. Robert McElwee. 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.
down to earth
Written on Oct 10, 2023 after therapy with Robert for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Robert is awesome in what he does , he listens , gives you his professional perspective and is not judgemental!
Written on Jul 17, 2023 after therapy with Robert for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and sleeping disorders
I am so happy I found Robert. He is exactly what I needed during this season of my life and in my marriage.
Written on Apr 15, 2023 after therapy with Robert for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes
He is very honest and open. He doesn't let you hide but helps bring the real you out.
Written on Apr 06, 2023 after therapy with Robert for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
Robert is very attentive and responsive even outside the therapy session. During the session, he asks useful and thought-provoking questions which effectively allow me to reflect on my current situation. He is also always supportive to me and always makes me feel much better after the session. Outside the sessions, he responds with helpful/empathetic feedback to all the journals I shared with him.
Written on Nov 26, 2022 after therapy with Robert for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Mr. McElwee maintained interest and asked questions. He responded to me typically within 24 hrs. He was professional and courteous with every engagement we had.
Written on Sep 21, 2022 after therapy with Robert for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and adhd