Today we’d like to introduce you to Jules Arkangel.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I recently learned that my purpose in life is to create a safe place for myself and others to believe in themselves and take risks necessary to step into their greatness. I am the epitome of a middle child, yet I grew up with the social skills necessary for an army brat (moving every two years). My continued struggle to make myself visible and my desire to be needed by others brought me to study psychology and sociology. In my studies, I fell in love with hearing others sharing stories about their lives. But I can’t start my story at the end so let’s go to the beginning.
I dabbled with a few career options but always found myself helping others. After my first Group Psychology class in undergraduate school, I was sold. I knew I was going into the counseling field, but as always, life has its way of making decisions for us. My wedding was called off, so I threw a dart at a map and moved to Charlotte, NC. At this time, I had completed my Masters in Counseling. I started working as a Vocational Counselor while returning to school for my Ph.D. I had a company car and excellent benefits, but life throws love at me again. Marriage and the start of a family, and I find myself moving back to San Antonio so my children can grow up with family. Has anyone realized that marrying the bad boy because he “really loves you” is not a good idea? Well, I have. Yet I feel myself straying on what is important and who I am today. Please forgive me as I begin again.
Who am I?
- The simple and short answer is – I am Dr. Jules Arkangel.
- I am a mother of four.
- I am not a victim.
- I am not a survivor.
- I am a warrior.
I have walked where many of you have walked. I have hidden where many of you have hidden. I have covered bruises, “walked into doors,” and “fell down”some of the same stairs. My ribs on my left side were broken so many times they have healed with scar tissue as just one rib – limiting my breathing and stretching. And yes, I have blamed others for my life. I have blamed others for my choices. I have felt shame for what I had become. I felt shame for what my children have seen. I have felt guilt over my past. And I have given away my power.
I will start with a day when I think the fog in my head started clearing. It would be more than a year before I actually “ran,” but this date stands out in my mind. On July 24, 2014, I became separated from my 14-year-old daughter. As a mom, I cannot come close to describing the pain and absence this causes in a mom’s heart and soul. It changes the core of who you are and how you define yourself. But a year later, in 2015, I ran from my marriage with my three boys. Nights are to be expected. Endless dark days came as a surprise. What to do – when you have nothing? Nothing to offer? Just nothing? Most importantly – How to answer the questions from your children?
Maybe I was a “lucky” one because of my children. I laugh now because then I did not feel lucky. What I did get for living in my car, even for that brief time, was a unique view of the world. It takes being down, really down, to start things over. That’s what I did. I found out what tools worked and what tools did not. I realized how to take my power back from those I gave it to so freely. I learned the power of positivity.
Most importantly, I learned how to create a safe place for myself and my children. This perspective led me to create a community curriculum called Trauma Mamas: The Final Release of Pain. In this group, I share the tools that changed my life. This is part of my service to the world for the amazing life I lead today.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
My story is filled with obstacles and achievements. It’s never been a smooth road, but it’s also not been mundane. One important lesson I learned and live by today is it’s completely acceptable to state, “I did the best I could in a bad situation.” Moving from a guilt-ridden past to acceptance and growth took me a long time. That led to the creation of one of my favorite quotes, “We are not our past. We are who we are, regardless of our past.”
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Archangel Therapy Group?
Archangel Therapy Group is a small, privately-owned boutique therapy and counseling practice that focuses on psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) to help individuals, couples, and families live their best lives. Our approach is hands-on and customized to each patient/client and their needs. We offer a relaxed and welcoming environment that allows you to feel comfortable and promotes a culture of openness and honesty. We aren’t here to “fix” anyone but to help you face your mental health challenges head-on with a supportive and helping partner who can guide you through the journey step-by-step.
I have been working with a fantastic Marketing company (Odd Duck Media) and invite all to visit my site at ArchangelTherapy.org to see a complete listing of services offered, reasons to use my company, and more details on who we are.
My other contacts are:
Facebook, Instagram, and Google. I am listed on many sites as a psychotherapist. On my Facebook page, I also offer Essential Oil blends I have created over the years to aid depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I will post some Christmas Specials as these are great gifts for all.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Remember, We are not our past. We are who we are regardless of our past. – Dr. Jules Arkangel
Contact Info:
- Website: ArchangelTherapy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archangeltherapygroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArchangelTherapyGroup
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/archangel-therapy-group-san-antonio?osq=archangel+therapy+group
Image Credits
Lashes by Starting Glow Aesthetics
