Joyce Clark Reid

I began my working career as an elementary school teacher. Together, my students and I worked on academic goals. I soon noticed that learning issues of some of my students stemmed from relationship problems at home and at school. This effected learning behaviors often producing non-compliance, anger, depression, and anxiety for these children. These behaviors, sometimes with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues, were usually not being addressed clinically and were taking a toll on their academic progress. I continued my education in counseling to better understand these learning barriers so that I could assist children and their parents. As I learned, I gained knowledge and skills to not only help children and parents, but also to help adults and families to navigate life’s problems and to attain their goals. Goals for the counseling process are associated with maintaining healthy relationships as well as adapting various changes that can produce a positive impact upon our lives. During therapy, my clients are made aware of the power they possess, how to dodge problems, how to accomplish goals, and how to perceive life in a positive manner. I now realize that I cared for my students more than for their academic progress. I cared about their personal well-being. I wanted them to feel productive and capable. I wanted them unencumbered by life’s problems but to have the resilience to overcome their deep seeded issues that affected their lives as a whole. I am interested most in sharing what I have learned to influence people reach their goals. It would be a privilege to assist you in this work.