Joyce MacLeod
Registered Member MBACP (Accredited)
Contact information
- Phone number
- 07894430644
Therapist - Larkhall
Features
- Flexible hours available
- Concessionary rates
Availability
Currently accepting new clients. Flexible availability day/evenings. Hybrid working/online/telephone/face to face. I can accommodate your chosen way of working and offer sessions to suit your work/life schedule.
About me and my therapy practice
I am an Accredited Person-Centred therapist with over 14 years experience counselling children and adults. I recently made the decision to stop working in the challenging world of school counselling to focus on developing my existing private practice.
I have 8 years counselling experience working with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS NHS). 6 years as a self-employed counsellor contracted within local authority education sector.
During these years I have also counselled/worked in the voluntary/third sector. In addition I have a total of over 35 years experience working with children within education, social work, NHS and the voluntary sector.
My speciality is working with young people predominantly 11-18 year olds in secondary schools but experience also extends to primary school children aged 5-11 years.
Working with adults ranging from 18-70+ years. Experience of adults to date has been within the voluntary sector and private practice with clients gained via word of mouth and reputation.
I offer a free introductory contact session for approximately 30 minutes via telephone to give you an idea of how I work and discuss whether or not you would like to continue. This will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and get a sense of me as a person. Making that call can be anxiety provoking but I feel I am very skilled in putting people at ease.
If you choose to continue following the introductory session we will arrange a suitable time/method of contact for your sessions.
I am based in South Lanarkshire and my location is accessible by public transport close to two accessible train stations. Online I am accessible to anywhere in the UK/internationally.
Practice description
I am not a qualified expert on any specific presenting issue but I feel my years of experience have equipped me well to deal with many issues and I am open to working with a variety of presentations and assess whether or not my type of counselling is enough, or suitable, for you.
My counselling approach is based on providing three therapeutic conditions of empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard and is based on an understanding that we are all designed to want to be the best version of ourselves. Life events can impact this and my non-directive approach is designed for us to work together to help you to make sense of how you may be feeling and how it is impacting your life.
Anyone considering therapy may be at a point where they find they are struggling in some way and may need an outlet outside of their family and friends. The counselling relationship, I feel, is key. I liken choosing a therapist to buying a pair of shoes. They may look appealing and seem to be of good quality but can be expensive. So, it is important to try them to be sure that they are a good fit for you, and most importantly, are comfortable and that you get your money's worth.
I like to remind people that I can't perform miracles but having been at the receiving end of therapy I know it works, and did for me at least, and that's why I chose to become a counsellor. I have also inspired some young people to follow this career based on their experience of me. It is always my intention to bring my true authentic self to the counselling relationship to allow you to do the same.
I feel the best way to appreciate my practice is to observe personal feedback from some former clients (see below in 1st Session section). They have given me full consent to share this information. I have had to edit these due to space available on this forum.
My first session
Following our initial contact session I will send you a contract to consider and return. This will be discussed briefly during our first session which also allows for contracting with regard to safety, boundaries and confidentiality. This is also an opportunity for me to do some information gathering with regard to what has brought you to counselling. Considering the non-directive nature of my approach your sessions will be very much designed to suit what you need from them. Weekly sessions are recommended but this is negotiable to suit your personal and financial needs.
If you are still contemplating going ahead please find below feedback from former clients to give you an idea of those at the receiving end of my work.
'I cannot thank her enough for her incredible help. If it wasn't for her I would most likely not be here today.' Male (14) school setting.
'I honestly felt like I got different teenagers back. I would recommend J to anyone looking for a therapist who 'gets' them and who will not judge.' Parent (2 x teenagers/private online support)
'Counselling has given me a better way of coping instead of instantly resorting to using my fists to solve problems.' Male (aged 15) school setting.
'I feel more confident. Love myself more but not in a cocky way. At first life seemed dark. I feel now there is more hope that I didn't have before. Made me think about my choices. They have become healthier. I am kinder to myself.' Male (aged 15) school setting.
'I thank her massively and would call on her excellent help in the future if required.' Male (aged 65) Chichester (online support).
' J is not just good at what she does; she's exceptional. I am incredibly grateful for her impactful presence in my life.' Female (aged 29) worked with her aged (16-18) school setting.
' Therapy was one of the best things I did, and I would encourage everyone to try. I will be forever grateful for the positive impact J had on my life.' Female (23) Surrey, online support/private practice.
What I can help with
Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Addictions, Anger management, Anxiety, Autism spectrum, Bereavement, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Depression, Disability, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, LGBTQ+ counselling, Loss, Menopause, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, OCD, Personal development, Phobias, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Stress, Substance Dependency, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues
Types of therapy
CBT, Emotionally focused therapy, Gestalt, Humanistic, Integrative, Narrative therapy, Person centred, Play therapy, Transactional analysis
Clients I work with
Adults, Children, Families, Older adults, Trainees, Young people
How I deliver therapy
Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy
Languages spoken
English