On the Couch » 13 Questions with Jacqueline Victor (JAQ), AMFT

The absurdity, tenderness, and beautiful genius of humans. As a drama therapist, I cannot count the number of belly laughs and unforgettable tears that my clients and I have shared together. Drama therapy allows people to feel safe enough and challenged enough to really get after the healing that they deserve. That I get to facilitate such magic for a living and be so lucky

in my lifetime is almost beyond belief.

What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?

Definitely the weird and savory ice cream flavors that are available.

What are your favorite quotes?

Oh wow. I have so many. I am such a nerd. But I will try to narrow it down to five. No wait, six.

“We are all unique medicine.” —Angeles Arrien

“What you admire in me is in you too.” —Buddha

“Liberation will not fall like a miracle from the sky; we must construct it ourselves. So
let’s not wait, let us begin…” —Zapatistas

“Our patients, more and more, turn out to be needing to feel real, and if they don’t,
then understanding is of extremely secondary importance.” —Donald Winnicott

“Philosophy is the childhood of the intellect, and a culture that tries to skip it will never
grow up.” —Thomas Nagel

“In Ethiopia, I hear, they tell a story of a cow that gave birth to a fire. Being a mother, her first instinct was to lick it, but she knew the baby—despite itself—would burn her. It occurred to her to leave it, but she could not do that either. That fire was her own. That burning thing is the mother of what minority culture is to those of us who work with subjugated modes of difference. We are like the heifer who is trying to figure out how

to handle a flame.” —Roderick A. Ferguson

In your free time, what are you most likely doing?

Reading like ten different books at the same time.

What cause(s) are you most passionate about?

Mental health literacy. I wish that people could learn the basics of healing and wellness in school, just like they get to learn their abc’s. Basically, I am down for any opportunity to

integrate art, healing, and activism.

Do you have any talents that few people know about? If so, what are they?

I have a knack for interior design and making spaces cozy. I used to do a lot more stand up
comedy and clowning. I still direct films and plays on occasion.

What is your favorite sports team?

That’s too easy. Dub Nation all the way. I love my Golden State Warriors.

When are you at your most creative?

When it is least expected. I like whipping up ideas out of nowhere that make intimacy and
authenticity easier to achieve for my community.

What motivates you?

Truth. Playfulness. Integrity

Name one guilty pleasure, past or present.

Pop music. I mean, those bops. I just can’t help myself.

What’s one fun thing you wish you could do more of?

Hanging out around sunny waterfalls with loved ones.

What makes Well Clinic different?

The level of transparency, organization, and care.