Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
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 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 demands that we must continue to grow. We grow through learning and making changes in our sphere of life. Our emotions and thoughts help or hinder our behavior. It is within these areas we need to evaluate, and search for meaning to be productive and fulfilled.
My practice is based on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy undergirded with applications from 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 work 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.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Dr. Joy McElveen approaches therapy as a continuing life journey, likening personal challenges to the adventures of a storybook hero who faces obstacles, finds allies, and keeps moving forward. She emphasizes that real-life struggles rarely resolve in an hour or two, but each challenge offers an opportunity to take another breath and learn new ways of engaging with life.
With 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. McElveen helps people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, anger, self-esteem concerns, depression, addictions, relationship difficulties, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. Her practice centers on expanding a sense of hope within each person seeking change, believing that hope is the force that propels forward movement even amid setbacks.
Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and informed by practices from mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. These methods intersect around choices people can make to change how they think, feel, and behave. Dr. McElveen expects that meaningful change requires effort from the person seeking help, with the therapist working alongside as a supportive collaborator.
She is a licensed clinical social worker authorized to practice in both Louisiana and Connecticut, and she holds a bachelor of arts 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. Dr. McElveen also holds certifications in each of the treatment approaches she uses and welcomes the chance to be one of the supportive characters in a person’s own life story.
Many people wonder whether remote therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions.
A major benefit is flexibility – individuals can connect with a therapist in the format that fits their life, choosing video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This variety makes it easier to schedule care and maintain continuity during busy or changing circumstances.
All participating therapists are licensed professionals, and individuals have the option to switch therapists if they prefer a different fit. For many people, the combination of clinical expertise and adaptable access makes online therapy a practical way to pursue meaningful change.
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