Meet Our Therapists: Jor-El Caraballo

Name: Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC
Licensing Info: NY MH 005427
Where you live: New York City!
Hometown: Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Amount of time working at Talkspace: 1 year, 5 months
Time working as a therapist: Almost 6 years

Why are you working in therapy/mental health?

I was always curious about what made people tick. As a very sensitive child, I was perceptive in picking up on people’s emotions. I also had to learn how to deal with my own feelings that were/are, at times, intense.

Once I was really able to delve into psychology in late high school, I knew it was the only way for me to go. Counseling was all about me taking an active role in helping people thrive using that background and knowledge. To me, there’s nothing better than that.

What made you start working at Talkspace?

When I first came across an ad for Talkspace, I have to admit I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure an online platform could help people in the way traditional counseling had been able to. But I was still intrigued.

As someone who works in one of the biggest cities in the world, I know all too well how many folks are dealing with mental health issues and don’t get the support that they need. Talkspace allows many more people access to licensed therapists to get that support. I was very excited to be a part of something so revolutionary that helps people get therapeutic support who may not otherwise be able to access it.

What has made you feel the most pride in your work?

What brings me the most pride is not only being able to fulfill what I feel is my purpose, but I also feel an incredible source of pride when my clients have the courage and strength to do the work of personal development. Being open and vulnerable with a therapist is really difficult. For me, it’s an amazing feeling and an honor to be there for other people as they move throughout some of the most trying times in their lives.

Can you think of a specific instance or moment that was inspiring?

There have been many inspirational moments in my career so far. From helping someone coming to terms with parts of their identity they’ve felt shame for or helping someone thrive after surviving trauma, there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t feel inspired and renewed by what I get to do for a living.

Why is what you do important?

I think there are a lot of people out there who can benefit from speaking with a therapist. I take that role very seriously and I think being able to help support people is incredibly important because we all need that. Why shouldn’t I be part of that?

If you had once piece of advice for a therapy-seeker, what would it be?

Find the right fit! Success in therapy really depends on having the right guide by your side. Read bios, search online to learn about therapy and what characteristics you think you might like to have in a therapist. There are many different perspectives and approaches to therapy, but I always say finding the right match is the most important predictor of success.

What do you do for fun?

I’m a HUGE film fan, so I spend a lot of my free time watching movies. This also means there are occasional, and not so occasional, Netflix binges. I also really enjoy cooking/eating and consider myself a bit of a foodie.

Note: You will need to sign up for Talkspace to continue chatting with Jor-El or any other Talkspace therapist. Make sure you live in the same state as Jor-El before you choose him.