This post features an interview that Dr. Jules Arkangel, founder of Archangel Therapy Group, completed for Voyage San Antonio, a digital human interest magazine that features stories about the people who make up San Antonio. Voyage works to promote mom and pops, artists, creatives, makers and small businesses by providing a platform for these hidden gems to tell their stories in their own words. You can read the full article on Voyage by clicking this link, or by scrolling down and reading the interview below.

An Interview with Dr. Jules Arkangel, in Her Own Words;

I recently learned that my purpose in life is to create a safe place for myself and others to believe in themselves and take the risks necessary to step into their greatness. But I can’t start my story at the end so let’s go to the beginning. I am the epitome of a middle child yet 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.

 

I dabbled with a few different 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 own 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 PhD. I had a company car and great benefits but alas 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 digressing 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 the 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 hid where many of you have hidden. I have covered bruises and “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 am going to start with a day that 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 describe the pain and absence this causes in a moms heart and soul. It changes the very core of who you are and how you define yourself. But it would be a year later in 2015 that I actually ran from my marriage with my three boys.

Dark nights are to be expected – dark endless 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 be able to truly 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 who I gave it to so freely. I realized the power of positivity. Most importantly I learned how to create a safe place for myself and my children. It is from this perspective that 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 that I lead today.

 

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?

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.” It took me a long time to move from a guilt-ridden past to acceptance and growth. That led me to create one of my favorite quotes, “We are not our past. We are who we are, regardless of our past.”

 

As you know, we’re big fans of Archangel Therapy Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

Archangel Therapy Group is a small, privately-owned boutique therapy and counseling practice that focuses on psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) as a means to help individuals, couples, and families live their best lives. Our approach is hands-on and customized to each individual patient/client and their needs. We offer a relaxed and welcoming environment that allows you to feel relaxed and promotes a culture of openness and honesty. We aren’t here to “fix” anyone, but rather 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 an amazing marketing company (Odd Duck Media) and invite all to visit my site at ArchangelTherapy.org to see a full listing of services offered.

How else can prospective patients find you?

I’m available on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Google. I am listed on many sites as a psychotherapist. On my Facebook page I also offer Essential Oil blends that I have created over the years to aid with depression, anxiety and PTSD. I will be posting some Christmas Specials as these make great gifts for all.