We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Fulcher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been fortunate to have the support of many excellent supervisors throughout my career. When it came to my decision to branch out on my own, it involved my desire to create and run my own business which reflects my values and passion for psychology. I obtained my independent licensure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this allowed me to branch into teletherapy as a method to provide much-needed individual therapy and assessment services through electronic means. I have been able to reach individuals who work on their mental health from the comfort and privacy of their own home environment, providing them with the opportunity to access therapy in a different and unique way. This has been especially important during the pandemic, as many work and home responsibilities have shifted. I enjoy the flexibility of the online platform, which allows those clients who thought therapy was previously inaccessible to them, to try therapy for the first time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I provide individual therapy and psychological assessment services through a telehealth platform. I am PSYPACT certified, which allows me to work across 33 states in the provision of individual therapy. This provides access for clients across many states and includes rural areas of Arizona which might not have easy and available access to therapy. My professional training began in social work back in 2006 and has extended all the way until independent licensure in 2020. Working in the mental health field can be a wonderful experience, and can also include challenges as we deal with the emotional and psychological needs of our clients. I truly enjoy listening to others and helping to provide them a channel to brainstorm, vent, learn valuable coping and relationship skills, and work toward their future mental health goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite places in Phoenix include desert scenery. I enjoy peaceful walks and hikes which can show the true beauty of our natural surroundings. Some of my favorite nature trails include Spur Cross Loop in Cave Creek and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. I also enjoy the exciting food options the city has to offer. Some of my favorite restaurants include classics like Macayo’s and Valle Luna, as well as new options such as Hula’s Modern Tiki, Pigtails, and Humble Bistro. I enjoy taking my kids to the Arizona Science Center as well as to splash pads around the Valley. Finally, I highly recommend visiting Arizona during the early Spring, where you can enjoy the Barrett-Jackson Auction, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my husband Derek, who supported me in working toward my career while sharing child-care responsibilities and sending support and encouragement during the tough moments. I would also like to credit my many wonderful supervisors who provided me with support and training throughout this process. In particular, my internship supervisor Dr. Valerie Kemper, my faculty supervisor Dr. Maureen Lassen, and my internship partner Dr. Beth Lavin provided me with support and encouragement to succeed along the way. Finally, I would not have been able to achieve this goal without the emotional support of my immediate and extended family members. Thank you!!

Website: https://paintedowlpsychology.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedowlpsychology/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-fulcher-phd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LlcPainted

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintedOwlPsychology/

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