John Leckie
Psychologist
John LeckiePhD
PhD, Texas Tech University, 1998
Finds deep meaning in working with older adults, and sees hearing each client’s life story as a privilege.
Call and we’ll let you know if John is taking new clients.
and most major plans
Meet John
John is a psychologist who finds deep meaning in working with older adults. He sees it as a privilege to hear the stories his clients bring — the families they’ve raised, the places they’ve been and the hard seasons they’ve come through — and says getting to know them enriches his own life.
It is a privilege to work with older adults!
Q&A with John
Getting to know John
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
It is a privilege to work with older adults! They bring gravitas....they have raised their kids, been places and have done things, endured the low tides of life, and of course have created incredible achievements. As a therapist, I get to know some of their stories, enriching my own life.
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Anything that reduces barriers to care is likely to increase therapy effectiveness; online services gives clients the experience of a provider who pops into their home, rather than traveling to make an office visit.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
My first goal is to give clients the experience of feeling seen and heard. Accurate empathy is a requirement to help clients make the changes they want in their lives. After clients feel that their provider knows them well, then we can move on to using active methods to calm anxiety, stomp out depression, change behaviors, and achieve relationship goals.
I often use TEAM CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), created by Dr. David Burns, author of Feeling Good and Feeling Great. TEAM is an acronym that stands for Testing, Empathy, Assessment/Agenda Setting and Methods. TEAM CBT has been shown to provide rapid change and enduring impacts because it integrates the wisdom of decades of research on many forms of psychotherapy into a powerful format. Psychotherapy homework is a necessary part of the Methods phase of treatment in TEAM CBT.
What inspired you to become a therapist?
My experiences studying psychology at UC Davis working in a crisis center taught me that psychology had tremendous power to alleviate suffering. After working in the field of psychology for over 40 years, I still love being a psychologist and accept the responsibility that working with clients who expect real expertise means that I must bring all of my compassion, skills, experience and respect to each and every client encounter!
What is your advice for someone starting therapy for the first time?
They should expect a good experience and that it is the client/provider partnership that makes therapy effective. The provider must bring authentic validation, recognize client strengths, and present new skills in a way that clients understand.
Clients need to be ready to experience and express their emotions (which can be painful), be open to feedback, and be ready give new skills a good faith try, in the dose that will actually create the changes clients want.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
That clients who actually do psychotherapy homework in the right doses are the clients who achieve their goals. Research is clear; those wanting strong relief or resolution of anxiety and depression is predicted by willing clients who partner with their providers and try new things, both during and after sessions.
How John works
- 1Feeling seen and heardHis first goal is for you to feel truly understood.
- 2Getting to know youOnce you feel he knows you well, you decide together on the changes you want.
- 3Practical toolsHands-on ways to ease anxiety, lift low mood, change habits and reach relationship goals.
They should expect a good experience and that it is the client/provider partnership that makes therapy effective.
I completed a 21 year Air Force career as a psychologist, have lived and worked overseas, and learned to ski with my children in the Alps. I am a Vespa aficionado, love astronomy, and my number one hobby is playing board games (Code Names, Azul, Castles of Burgundy, the Chameleon, and many others).
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Choose a topic. Can’t find your answer? Call our care team at 1-800-567-LIFE.
About Total Life
Who is the service for?
Our service is tailored for seniors looking to navigate the challenges of aging and aiming to make their golden years, golden.
What is the core purpose of your teletherapy service?
Our core purpose is to help as many seniors as possible access the mental health care they need, irrespective of their insurance coverage. We believe everyone deserves quality mental health care.
How is your service tailored to seniors?
Our platform is easy to use, with straightforward steps to connect you with a therapist. Additionally, our care team is always ready to assist you from start to finish.
How can teletherapy help me feel like the best version of myself?
Teletherapy provides a supportive environment to explore and address concerns, helping you work through challenges and promoting mental well-being.
How is your service different from conventional therapy?
Unlike conventional therapy, we provide access to therapy through Original Medicare coverage. Our care team facilitates a smooth process from the initial call all the way through ongoing care.
Insurance & coverage
Are your teletherapy services covered by Original Medicare?
Yes, our services are accessible through Original Medicare coverage, making mental health care more accessible for seniors.
Do you accept insurance plans other than Original Medicare?
Yes, we accept select Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Please contact our care team to verify if your specific plan is accepted.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment can be made through various methods including Original Medicare coverage. Our care team can provide more detailed information based on your specific situation.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can have?
Original Medicare has an uncapped session limit; the number of sessions will be determined based on your individual needs and treatment plan.
What is a Superbill and how can it benefit me?
A Superbill is an itemized form that details the services you have received from us. It provides all the information needed to submit a claim to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
If I have out-of-network benefits, how does the reimbursement process work?
If you have out-of-network benefits, you can submit the Superbill we provide to your insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement rate and process depend on your plan.
How do I obtain a Superbill for my sessions?
After each session, we can provide you with a Superbill. Our care team will assist you in generating a Superbill for your records.
Therapists & sessions
How experienced are your providers in working with older adults?
Our providers are hired specifically for their experience with older adults. They are trained and equipped to understand and address the unique mental health needs of seniors.
Can I choose my therapist?
We make every effort to match you with a therapist who has the right experience and expertise for your needs. If you have a preference, we’ll do our best to accommodate it.
What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?
It’s important to have a good rapport with your therapist. If for any reason you wish to change therapists, just let us know and we’ll facilitate a switch.
How is progress measured in teletherapy?
Progress is measured through regular reviews and discussions between you and your therapist, ensuring that the therapy is effective and meeting your needs.
Getting started
How quickly can I start with my therapy sessions?
Our care team is dedicated to facilitating a quick and easy process from your first phone call to setting up a therapy session on the same call.
How do I schedule a teletherapy session?
Scheduling a session is simple. Just give us a call at 1-800-567-LIFE and our care team will assist you in setting up a session on the first call itself.
Do I need any special equipment for teletherapy?
All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. Phone-only sessions are also available.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We have a flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy. Just contact our care team and they will assist you with the necessary changes.