I am a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience providing individual and group therapy to individuals with varying substance use and mental health disorders. I have particular expertise in helping individuals with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I respect the need to be sensitive to individual’s cultures, but I believe in going beyond this, to what I call an “individual anthropological study of one”, meaning I can’t be truly effective until I get to know your core beliefs, how you view the world and how you view the change process. In doing so, I will tailor the therapy approach and help you develop a treatment plan that is uniquely suited to you and your worldview.
I work with a number of evidence-based practices, including cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and functional analysis. Functional analysis recognizes that even the most seeming self-destructive habit and actions often meet very real and legitimate needs, although often with harmful side effects. In functional analysis, we explore the needs individuals may have been attempting to meet and then jointly develop healthier ways of meeting these same needs, thereby greatly facilitating the change process.
I will always utilize evidence-based practices that are backed by research, but here are over 300 such treatment modalities. I look forward to working with you in finding what works and fits.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Intellectual Disability, Jealousy, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Smoking/Vaping Cessation
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
UT LCSW 128158-3501
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jerry Costley. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
He is thoughtful listens and reflects what is needed, very thoughtful in his responses.
Written on Jun 30, 2022 after therapy with Jerry for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Jerry has been great!
Written on Jun 29, 2022 after therapy with Jerry for 3 weeks on issues concerning coping with life changes
I have been challenged with anxiousness and panic attacks for the past year or so. I finally decided to seek therapy in hopes of gaining practical tools to manage my anxiety. After the first few sessions with Jerry I am already feeling so much better! I am shocked at how much therapy is truly helpful, after being so skeptical for so long. Jerry instills confidence in me, while helping me find ways to manage my anxiety, that actually work. He listens to me and has relevant analogies that I can remember easily that help when I’m having anxious moments or approaching panic. I’m so thankful for his help and feel stronger every session.
Written on Apr 30, 2022 after therapy with Jerry for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Jerry Costley has been amazing. I've gone through a few different therapists and I have found it difficult to find a therapist that understands me and that can provide strategies that are actually effective at managing my depression. Dr. Costley has been so kind and has really taken the time to understand my situation. I feel understood and I feel that he actually cares about me. He has given me several strategies that have been effective in dealing with my depression.
Written on Feb 16, 2022 after therapy with Jerry for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
My sessions with Jerry have been extremely helpful. He's a fantastic listener who always does a great job of summarizing my thoughts and feelings in a way that helps me understand myself better. Furthermore, he always has a relevant mental model that can be applied to whatever situation that I'm going through. Finally, he always gives me some very practical homework to do that I find incredibly valuable!
Written on Jan 11, 2022 after therapy with Jerry for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem