Felicity Castro

Felicity Castro, a dedicated advocate for parents overcoming adversity, has made it her mission to support those who are navigating the complex journey of parenting while healing from trauma. Recognizing the scarcity of guidance available for parents with PTSD and CPTSD, Felicity is committed to developing resources that she wished had been there when she embarked on her own parenting path in 2015.

Felicity earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2013. During her time at UC Berkeley, she collaborated closely with leading academics like Dr. Maria Hernandez, an expert in multicultural counseling, and Dr. Alan Johnson, known for his groundbreaking work on resilience in families affected by chronic illness. Her research contributed significantly to the understanding of how cultural backgrounds influence therapeutic approaches to family therapy.

Since 2010, Felicity has worked as a licensed clinical psychologist in San Francisco, focusing on providing culturally sensitive care to diverse communities. She joined the Healing Horizons Center in 2018, where she continues to offer compassionate and evidence-based psychological services to individuals and families.

Felicity is also a sought-after speaker and writer. She regularly contributes articles to The Family Advocate Magazine and has been featured in outlets such as Parents Today, NPR’s All Things Considered, and The Huffington Post. She has appeared on local television stations like KQED and KCBS, discussing topics related to mental health and parenting. Presently, she hosts the inspiring podcast "Healing Through Parenthood," which explores the transformative power of parenting for those who have experienced trauma.

Parents strive to build bonds with their children that are rooted in love, warmth, and security. However, for those who have faced trauma—whether in childhood or more recently—the challenge can feel insurmountable. These parents may find themselves reacting out of fear or distress, often mirroring the behaviors they most wish to avoid, such as lashing out in frustration or becoming withdrawn and distant. "Healing Through Parenthood" offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that it's possible to break free from the patterns of the past. As parents nurture their children, they also have the opportunity to heal themselves, turning the act of parenting into a profound and restorative experience.