I’m a licensed professional counselor committed to empowering you and communities to achieve greater health, wellness, and fulfillment. I serve diverse populations, and am dedicated to providing compassionate and culturally sensitive counseling services to people from all walks of life.
When it comes to holding space for you so that you can be heard without judgment, I am here to be that person. My gift is helping you see new perspectives, rewriting limiting narratives and discovering self-awareness. I work to help you move towards healthy perceptions of self and establish more capable, peaceful and safe environments.
I work with diverse groups, including military/emergency service personnel, women/men’s issues, couples, unique relationship groups/alternative lifestyles, and LGBTQIA+. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. By creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and authentically, I strive to help you overcome challenges, build resilience, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. There is no one-size-fit-all approach to reach your goals, I approach the individual, and couples, uniquely from an eclectic base of tailored approaches. Training in multiple therapies such as CBT and DBT, I help you identify negative thought processes and work on transformation.
I’m committed to serving underserved populations, recognizing the systemic barriers and injustices that you face. I provide culturally competent and accessible counseling services to address your unique needs/concerns.
Serving the LGBTQIA+ community, I provide affirming and inclusive counseling services to all individuals. I work collaboratively with you to address challenges related to identity, expression, discrimination, and navigating relationships, also community support systems.
I have seen the profound impact counseling can have on the lives of individuals/communities. By providing support, validation, and empowerment, I help you overcome obstacles, develop coping skills, and cultivate a greater sense of resilience and self-worth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I'm glad you're here, and I want to extend a warm welcome to you as we start this journey together. I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but please know that you've taken an important step toward changing your situation and growing beyond your current situation by reaching out.
In our first session together, my primary goal is to get to know you as an individual and understand your unique experiences, challenges, and goals. I want you to feel heard, understood, and respected throughout our time together, so please don't hesitate to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. I am also here for you to ask questions of and about. How are you going to trust me if you don’t know who I am and some of those little things that make me human.
We will spend some time discussing what brought you to my virtual couch and what you want to do with your hopes and dreams. Through our work together I am going to be there to cheer you on when you need it and sit with those hurts when you need care. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, I'm here to listen with empathy and understanding. I am going to tailor an individual system just for you that is innovative and unique just like you. Your experiences and concerns are valid, and I want to ensure that you feel supported and validated as we explore them together.
Next, we'll review important logistical information, such as the limits of confidentiality, informed consent, and scheduling. It's essential that you feel informed and empowered throughout the therapeutic process, so please feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have. I call this the business section of the session and it’s where we go over pricing, insurance, scheduling, and all those items that make things legal.
Once we've covered the basics, we'll begin to delve deeper into your personal history, background, and current circumstances. I may ask you to share more about your upbringing, family dynamics, if you like your siblings, significant life events, and any coping strategies you've used in the past. This will help me gain a better understanding of your unique strengths, challenges, and needs, allowing us to tailor our work together to best meet your goals.
Throughout our conversation, I want you to know that you are in a safe and nonjudgmental space. I am here to support you unconditionally, and there is no shame or stigma in anything
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe that my greatest strengths lie in my empathy, authenticity, and dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment for you. What sets me apart as a therapist is my unique combination of personal and professional experiences, which have shaped my approach to counseling and allowed me to connect with clients on a deep and meaningful level.
One of my greatest strengths as a counselor is my ability to empathize with you and create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. Having walked my own journey of change and self-discovery, I bring a deep sense of understanding and compassion to the therapeutic journey. I understand the courage it takes to seek help and the vulnerability that comes with opening up to a stranger about your innermost thoughts and feelings. Therefore, I approach each client with genuine warmth, understanding, empathy, and nonjudgmental acceptance, allowing you to feel comfortable exploring your emotions and experiences without fear of criticism or rejection.
Another strength of mine is my authenticity and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. I believe in being genuine and transparent with you, sharing aspects of my own journey when appropriate to build trust and connection. Being authentically myself, and modeling my vulnerability, I create a therapeutic environment where you can feel safe to be yourself and express your true thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or pretense.
My dedication to ongoing learning and professional development allows me to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in counseling. I regularly participate in continuing education opportunities, and workshops to enhance my clinical skills and expand my therapeutic toolkit. This commitment to education and knowledge ensures that I am able to provide you with the highest quality of care and stay attuned to your evolving needs and concerns.
In addition to my personal qualities and ongoing professional development, my diverse range of experiences have also contributed to my effectiveness as a counselor. Prior to entering the field of counseling, I worked in various roles that allowed me to gain insight into different cultures, perspectives, and life experiences. These experiences have given me a broader understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the diverse challenges that individuals may face.
My own journey of personal growth and change has deeply informed my approach to co
About Jean Castle
Appointments
Free consults, virtual
My treatment methods
Strength-Based
I embrace the strength-based treatment approach as an aspect of my therapeutic philosophy. This approach is rooted in the belief that you possess unique strengths, abilities, and resources that can be harnessed to promote growth, resilience, and well-being.
Strength-based treatment has shown me the transformative power of reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and empowerment. I work closely with you to explore your strengths, talents, and past successes while collaborating with you to identify and amplify your inherent strengths and capabilities. This process not only builds our rapport but instills confidence. By highlighting your strengths, you gain hope and optimism, which serves as a solid foundation for progress.
Throughout your journey, I integrate strength-based interventions and techniques into the sessions by reframing negative self-perceptions, identifying and challenging limiting beliefs, and celebrating your victories and accomplishments. By focusing on your strengths, you are empowered to take ownership of your healing and integrate meaningful changes in your life.
Jungian
I've been deeply influenced by the Jungian treatment method, which emphasizes the exploration of the unconscious mind, archetypes, symbols, and the individuation process to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and integration.
My experience with Jungian therapy has been characterized by a profound appreciation for the complexity and depth of the human psyche. I utilize Jungian techniques such as dream analysis, active imagination, and exploring the collective unconscious to help you access deeper layers of your psyche and gain insight into your unconscious motivations, fears, and desires.
Dream analysis, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for uncovering unconscious material and gaining insight into unresolved conflicts, emotional patterns, and potential areas for growth. I work collaboratively with you to explore the symbolism and imagery present in their dreams, helping you to uncover hidden meanings and integrate these insights into your waking life.
Active imagination involves engaging with the unconscious through creative visualization and inner dialogue. I guide you in accessing your imagination and intuition to explore unresolved issues, confront inner conflicts, and cultivate a deeper connection with your authentic self.
Together we will integrate Jungian concepts such as archetypes, shadow work, and the process of individuation into the therapeutic approach. By exploring archetypal themes and symbols present in your experiences, we can uncover deeper layers of meaning and tap into the universal aspects of your psyche.
Shadow work, in particular, involves confronting and integrating the disowned or repressed aspects of the self, leading to greater wholeness and self-acceptance. Through compassionate exploration of the shadow, you can reclaim lost parts of yourself and cultivate a more balanced and integrated sense of identity.
I appreciate the complexity of your human experience and the transformative potential of exploring your unconscious.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensively utilized the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment method, recognizing its effectiveness in helping you overcome various mental health challenges. CBT is grounded in the premise that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors, we can achieve significant improvements in mental well-being.
My experience with CBT has been marked by its structured and goal-oriented approach, which aligns well with my client-centered and solution-focused therapeutic style. I collaborate closely with you to identify specific goals for therapy and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
One of the core components of CBT is cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying and challenging irrational or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. I work with you to examine the evidence for your thoughts, explore alternative interpretations, and develop more balanced and realistic perspectives. By challenging cognitive distortions such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and overgeneralization, you learn to replace negative thought patterns with more adaptive ones, leading to reduced distress and improved mood.
Behavioral activation is another key aspect of CBT that I incorporate into my practice. This involves helping you identify and engage in activities that bring you a sense of pleasure, accomplishment, and mastery. By encouraging you to gradually reintroduce enjoyable and meaningful activities into your daily routine, we can disrupt cycles of avoidance and withdrawal, increase motivation, and improve overall functioning.
I often utilize unique and tailored activities and experiential exercises to reinforce CBT principles and promote skill acquisition and generalization. These assignments may include journaling, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in exposure exercises to confront feared situations.
CBT has highlighted its effectiveness in providing you with practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms, cope with stressors, and achieve your treatment goals. By combining the principles of cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skill-building, I strive to empower you to take control of your mental health and lead a more fulfilling life.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is an integral part of my work, as it allows me to support you in improving your relationship and fosters greater understanding, communication, and connection with your partner(s). My experience with couples counseling has been deeply rewarding, as I've witnessed the transformative power of therapy in strengthening bonds and resolving conflicts within relationships.
I approach couples counseling with a collaborative and solution-focused mindset, working closely with both of you to identify and address areas of concern while building upon existing strengths and positive aspects of the relationship. Through a combination of evidence-based techniques, empathic listening, and guided exploration, I help both of you develop effective communication skills, deepen emotional intimacy, and navigate challenges in a constructive and respectful manner.
One of the key components of couples counseling is facilitating open and honest dialogue between you, allowing you to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a safe and supportive environment. By fostering active listening and empathy, I help you gain a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives and experiences, which lays the foundation for resolving conflicts and rebuilding trust.
Additionally, I incorporate various therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to the unique needs and dynamics of each relationship. These may include cognitive-behavioral strategies to challenge negative patterns of thinking and behavior, emotion-focused techniques to explore underlying emotions and vulnerabilities, and mindfulness exercises to promote present-moment awareness and emotional regulation.
My experience with couples counseling has reinforced my belief in the importance of healthy and fulfilling relationships in promoting overall well-being and life satisfaction. By providing you with the tools, support, and guidance you need to navigate challenges and strengthen your connection, I strive to help you create lasting and meaningful changes in your relationships.
Narrative
I have found Narrative therapy method to be a powerful tool for helping you reclaim your narratives, rewrite your stories, and create new meanings in your life. Narrative therapy is rooted in the belief that you are the author of your own story, and by exploring and reshaping the narratives you tell yourself, you can gain a greater sense of agency and empowerment.
My experience with Narrative therapy has been deeply transformative, as I've witnessed the profound impact it can have on your self-perception, problem-solving abilities, and overall well-being. I utilize Narrative techniques such as externalization, reauthoring, and the use of metaphor and symbolism to help you externalize you problems, challenge dominant narratives, and construct alternative narratives that align with your values and aspirations.
Central to Narrative therapy is the concept of "reauthoring" or rewriting one's story in a way that acknowledges strengths, resources, and moments of agency. I work collaboratively with you to explore your preferred narratives, identify exceptions to problem-saturated stories, and co-create alternative narratives that reflect your preferred identities and goals.
I incorporate the use of metaphor and symbolism to help you explore your experiences and emotions in a non-confrontational and creative manner. Metaphors can serve as powerful tools for reframing perspectives, gaining insight into complex issues, and fostering deeper self-awareness.
My experience with Narrative therapy has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of honoring your unique experiences and perspectives. By empowering you to rewrite you narratives, challenge dominant discourses, and reclaim your authority, I strive to help you move towards greater authenticity, resilience, and well-being.
