Lee McKay Doe : Therapy with Lee

After years of working 9-5 (or more like 8-7!), Lee McKay Doe has settled her life into a more relaxed pace. As a counsellor she she spends most of her day seeing clients from the peaceful therapy room on her farm. When she's not working, she loves connecting with people on social media and writing articles about mental health. 

"I had a typical, high-pressure corporate job, delivering projects for big companies. It was difficult to see how I could transfer my skills into something else and it took a lot of soul-searching and hard work to retrain. I didn’t hate my job, but it didn’t bring me joy. Now I get to sit alongside people who are working on themselves and it is such a joy and a privilege."

I grew up in North Muirton and have so many great memories of being part of a community and being surrounded by my huge family. She lives on a farm and enjoys relaxing in the garden and soaking up the peaceful surroundings and chilled lifestyle.  It's entirely different from North Muirton, where she grew up, a community that she loved and remembers fondly.

"I grew up in North Muirton and have so many great memories of being part of a community and being surrounded by my huge family. As well as drinking down the river as a youth. (sorry mum!) There was a lot of love and I think it’s helped to keep me grounded.

"Honestly - as a youngster I couldn’t wait to get away to explore the world and after university I spent many years living in Paris and London. But something drew me back to Perth. I missed my family and friends and I wanted to bring up my kids here. I do still get itchy feet often – but the airport is only an hour away!"

When she's not working, relaxing or reminiscing about afternoons at Woody Island, you'll find her shopping at Eva Lucia - "I love the new shop" - drinking a coffee and typing away on her laptop in Cafe Nero or tucking into an eggs benedict at Gloagburn Farm shop.

GALLERY

What signals the start of your days off?

Thursday night! I try my best to take Fridays off and have a girls day with my 3 year old. Carving out time for my family and for myself is really important to me. I’m a bit rebellious about the Monday-Friday 9-5 ‘rule’ and don’t think it’s necessary for creating a thriving life and business.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

It’s funny you should ask. I’ve spent 5 years ticking things off my list, trying to build a life that works and the other day I told my husband that it was time for a new list. It will include more travel and perhaps even writing a book… Watch this space!

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by people who really know themselves and accept themselves as they are. It’s quite rare but they are great to be around as they rarely judge others and they can be happy for your successes.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again?

My friends got married in Italy a few years ago and it was a truly magical day. It would be so hard to recreate because it was a combination of fantastic company, a beautiful setting and just being part of a really special occasion.

What’s the best part about your job?

Counselling isn’t about giving advice or showing off your knowledge. It’s about being alongside someone, even in their darkest moments. That I don’t have to come up with the answers. Counselling isn’t about giving advice or showing off your knowledge. It’s about being alongside someone, even in their darkest moments. Sometimes shining a light on things that they are struggling to see.

There are these amazing moments when something just clicks or a client feels stronger…or just more like themselves. It’s not an easy job, but it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are….

..the simple things. For me, it’s love, sunshine, great friends, good food and time to enjoy it.

About Therapy With Lee

Sometimes all you need is to feel heard, understood and accepted for who you are.  Most of us rarely get a chance to explore our real thoughts and feelings with someone who will offer genuine empathy. Someone who won’t judge. Who can sit with your darkest emotions and not need to ‘fix it’.

Therapy can help you to overcome difficult periods, but it can also help you to reach your potential. I will challenge you, and offer insights to help you see things from a different perspective. But it is always offered with kindness and with your best interests at heart.

This is person-centred therapy.

My style works well for individuals who would benefit from being a little kinder with themselves. If you are self-critical, anxious, stressed or wondering if you hold yourself back, then I’d love to work with you. Therapy With Lee online.

Lee is one of the mentors at this year's WOW: What Now? Women of the World FREE event hosted by Horsecross Arts on 5th October.