Jazzmin (Bailey) Gastley, MS, LPC, RPT™ (she/her)
However you ended up here, I’m so glad you did.
I LOVE this work. There were some twists and turns that led me to becoming a therapist (ask me about my plan to be a French language major), but I’m so grateful to be doing something I care deeply about.
I work with kids, teens and adults who have experienced hard things that have shaped who they are today. Whether that’s a result of childhood trauma, current stressors, relationship struggles or being hurt by someone you trusted, we’ll work through it together. I’ll help you notice patterns and tap into your own wisdom and resilience to help you move forward and feel better.
If you’re looking for a therapist who’s warm, honest, direct, and brings humor into therapy, we might be a great fit. I show up as my full, real self so you can feel safe and comfortable doing the same. We’re both just humans at the end of the day, after all!
With kids, I use play therapy and expressive arts techniques because it offers a safe, natural way to express what’s going on inside. I also work closely with caregivers along the way by offering tools, insight, and support so you feel more connected and confident in your parenting.
With teens, I work hard to create a space where they feel respected, understood, and free to be themselves without pressure. Our work often explores identity, friendships, family dynamics, school stress, emotions, and how to handle life in a world that can feel like a lot.
With adults, I support folks navigating the lasting impact of complex trauma (childhood, relational or otherwise). Whether you’re dealing with a tough divorce, feeling overwhelmed in your parenting, or just plain anxious, we’ll work through it together at a pace that’s comfortable for you. I also have a special place in my heart for folks navigating faith questions or healing from religious hurt (including deconstruction). I’m here to support you with curiosity, compassion, and zero judgment. You don’t have to do this alone.
I believe that healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, so I work hard to provide a space that feels genuine. I always consider your family, community, culture, and identity as part of the bigger picture of our work. I pull from different approaches depending on what fits best, and together we’ll make sense of how past experiences might still be showing up now.
If any of this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, let’s get started! Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be in your corner for the tough stuff, the growth, and celebrating the wins along the way.
Wanna find out more?
Education, Memberships and Experience:
I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Service Delivery and Administration (HSDA - my school’s version of social work).
During my time in undergrad, I volunteered with a sexual assault crisis organization (Bridging Hope, formerly Rape Response Inc.) and held an internship with a local private counseling practice working with court mandated clients.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist™. I have a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and completed my graduate internship at LiveSafe Resources in Marietta, GA. Since then, I have worked in private practice specializing in trauma work with kids, teens and adults.
Internship with LiveSafe Resources (Marietta, GA), 2019 - 2020
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Georgia State University, 2020
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #014884
Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT) #T7407
Member of the Association for Play Therapy (APT)
Relevant Trainings
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Introduction to Play Therapy | Dr. Yolanda Fountain, Ph.D., LPC, LCMHC, ACS, NCC, RPT-S | 67.5 hrs
Advanced Play Therapy | Dr. Tiffany B. McNary, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S | 67.5 hrs
Meeting Clients Where They Are: Using the Language of Video Games in Play Therapy | Dr. Terry Kottman, Ph.D., RPT-S, NCC, LMHC | 3 hrs
Applying The Therapeutic Power of Play and Expressive Arts to Trauma: A Process Oriented Approach | Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S & Isabella Cassina MA, TPS, CAGS | 3 hrs
Creating Safety, Connection and Resiliency for Children and Families: Applying the Theraplay Model | Lucinda Grapenthin, Ph.D., RPT-S | 6 hrs
The Role of Love in Your Play Therapy Practice | Dr. Eliana Gil, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S | 1 hr
Strengthening Family Bonds: Play Therapy with Parents of Highly Sensitive Children | Parie Faridnia, Psy.D., RPT-S & Nicole Chavez, Psy.D., RPT-S | 3 hrs
Whose Fight is it Anyway? Building Resiliency Through Play Therapy for Children of Divorce | Mary Ruth Cross, MS, LMFT, RPT-S | 3 hrs
Fostering Connections: Attachment Based Play Therapy the Theraplay® Way | Gloria Cockerill, MA, LCSW, RPT-S | 2.5 hrs
Technology in Family Play Therapy | Mary Ruth Cross, MS, LMFT, RPT-S | 2.5 hrs
Conceptualizing Clients in Adlerian Play Therapy through a Neurobiology Lens | Dalena Dillman Taylor, Ph.D., LMHC, RPT-S | 3 hrs
Integrating Expressive Arts in Play Therapy Across the Lifespan | Sue Bratton, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S | 6 hrs
Tell the Truth to the Children: Complexities of Coherent Storytelling in Play | Paris Goodyear-Brown, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S | 6 hrs
Anxiety and Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Program Approach for Children and Caregivers | Dee Ray, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S | 2.5 hrs
Treating Attachment Wounds in Children and Teens: An Integrative Play Approach | Ann Beckley-Forest, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S & Annie Monaco, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S | 3 hrs
Ethics, Morals, and Laws, Oh My! - Play Therapy in a Complex World | Jeff Ashby, Ph.D., ABPP, RPT-S | 1 hr
Protective Systems, Perpetrator Dynamics, and Aggression in Children with Complex Trauma - A Sandtray and Play Therapy Clinical Approach | Ana M. Gomez, MC, LPC | 13 hrs
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Trauma Competency Training: The Beliefs, Knowledge and Skills of the Trauma-Competent Counselor |Dr. Melinda Paige, Ph.D., LPC, CPCS, NCC | 10 hrs
Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents | Julie Kaplow, Ph.D., ABPP; Stephanie Yudovich, LCSW; & Marisa Nowitz, LCSW-S | 12 hrs
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for Children & Adolescents | Becky Beaton-York, Ph.D. & Ashlenn Von Wiegand, Ph.D. | 6 hrs
The Body Keeps the Score: Trauma Healing | Dr. Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD | 12.5 hrs
Addressing Trauma of All Ages Using Sand-Based and Expressive Play Therapy Approaches | Marshall Lyles, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S | 12 hrs
The Ethics of Helping Clients Heal from Traumatic Upbringings: Theory, Practice and Clinical Compliance | Caroline Paris Martin, LPC | 5 hrs
Get to know me!
When I’m not doing therapy, you’ll likely find me hanging out with my daughter, husband and friends or spending time outside. I’m a voracious consumer of audiobooks, and I love a good thriller or celebrity memoir (bonus points if it’s read by the author). You can also frequently find me listening to any amount of musical theater, movie soundtracks and 2000s pop punk. I’m a year-round iced coffee drinker except for the occasional peppermint mocha. I’m a huge fan of breakfast foods and anything dark chocolate. I LOVE a good sweatshirt, and you will often find me wearing one (in AND out of the office). I’m an extroverted enneagram type 2 to my core, and I enjoy loving on my people!