Inspiring Conversations with Jacqueline Fulcher of Painted Owl Psychology

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Fulcher.

Hi Jacqueline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career working with individuals with developmental disabilities and pursued a degree in psychology and social work. I worked for many agencies, including United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona, El Rio Health Services, and the Southern Arizona Blind Rehabilitation Center. I continued my psychology degree and did practicums and internships at private practices throughout the valley, as well as substance abuse rehabilitation centers.

I started my own private practice, Painted Owl Psychology, during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing psychological assessment and therapy services through an online platform. I serve adolescents and adults throughout the state of Arizona, as well as 33 states nationwide through my PSYPACT certification. I provide therapy using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. I work to help clients improve their self-esteem, decrease depression and anxiety, and navigate their relationships with improved communication and coping skills.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been many struggles along the way, including the closure of my initial internship program and difficulties in securing practicums and internships. Luckily, I have had the help and support of many people, including wonderful supervisors and family members who have led me through these challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused difficulties in completing my fellowship and led me to struggle with work-life balance as all school systems shut down and services moved online. Navigating this change was difficult, but it also opened a new area of opportunity with the telehealth space and the creation of my own private practice.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I provide individual counseling and psychological assessment in an entire telehealth setting. I can provide services to clients in over 33 states due to my PSYPACT certification. This provides therapy to rural areas and helps clients to find more immediately available therapists, even if they are located in a different state. It also allows me to provide services in different time zones and gives clients the flexibility to see a therapist over their lunch break, early in the morning before work, or before their children get home from school. Not having to travel to an in-person office also allows clients to complete therapy from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This saves on travel time and cost and allows the client to feel more comfortable in their environment.

I am also proud of the psychology blog which is published on our website. This provides tips and tools on a wide range of psychology topics, including stress, perfectionism, goal-setting, anger management, and relationship tools. This blog allows so many individuals to gather ideas and strategies for improving their relationships, self-esteem, and social skills.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To be flexible. Things are constantly changing in the world and in the work environment. Coping skills are valuable to help one remain open to change and perform at one’s best.

Mindfulness is a wonderful coping skill that allows us to focus on the positives within our present environment, reduce stress, and remain open to new opportunities. Flexibility, particularly cognitive flexibility, allows us to take in the events of every day, and understand how we can continually learn and grow in order to become the best versions of ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paintedowlpsychology.com/
• Instagram: @paintedowlpsychology
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintedOwlPsychology/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LlcPainted