Jamie O’Callaghan, MS, PCLC

What Led Me Here

Becoming a therapist was less of a single moment and more of a gradual realization. After more than twenty years working with college students in academic advising and student services, I found that people often sought me out to talk through life’s challenges and transitions. My favorite part of that work was always hearing people’s stories and what led them to pursue a big change. When a trusted colleague, my own therapist, and my husband all encouraged me to pursue counseling, I realized they were seeing something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized myself. Becoming a therapist feels less like changing careers and more like coming home.

What This Work Has Taught Me

Honestly, what has surprised me most is how much I genuinely love showing up for this work every day. I love getting curious about the people I feel privileged to work with and helping them make sense of experiences that may have felt confusing or overwhelming for years. What I have also learned is that when you truly understand someone’s story, their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors almost always make sense. That has deepened my compassion and reinforced my belief that people are far more resilient than they often realize, and far more courageous than they give themselves credit for.

How I Work

I draw from a range of approaches including Internal Family Systems, CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology, always with a person-centered and strengths-based foundation. I also bring in brain-based education because I believe that understanding how your mind works can be genuinely empowering. My goal is for therapy to feel both intentional and human. While we often tackle difficult and honest conversations, I also believe there is room for laughter, curiosity, and moments of genuine joy along the way. Sometimes the most meaningful growth happens when you can laugh a little and face hard questions at the same time.

By the end of our first session, I hope you leave with a little more clarity, a little more hope, and the feeling that you have a genuine person in your corner.

Who I Work Best With

I feel especially energized working with people navigating periods of change or trying to better understand themselves. I am particularly passionate about working with ADHD and neurodivergent clients, helping them recognize their strengths while developing practical strategies for the challenges they face. I also enjoy supporting people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning what is next, whether that is related to school, career, relationships, identity, or life transitions. Watching someone move from self-criticism to self-understanding is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Outside the Office

I try to practice many of the same things I encourage my clients to do: connecting in my relationships, getting outside, staying active, and creating space to slow down when life feels busy. Living in Montana makes that a little easier. You will often find me skiing, walking with my dogs, gardening, or spending time with my family. I also genuinely love learning, so you will probably find me with a psychology or neuroscience book open simply because I find it fascinating.

If You’re Nervous About Starting

You do not have to have it all figured out before you reach out. You do not need the perfect words or even a clear understanding of what is wrong. We will make sense of it together. It is brave to reach out, and I do not take that lightly. Feel free to reach out if you would like to learn more about starting therapy!

“When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” — Fred Rogers