About Us /
Quienes Somos
Ruthie Duran Deffley
she/her/ella
Ruthie Duran Deffley, LCSW
I grew up in Mexico City, where I attended a bilingual school until I graduated high school. I then relocated to the United States to continue my education. I earned an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, a master’s in social work (MSW), and a master’s in Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Campus.
Through work and relocation, I have interacted in significant ways with individuals from many walks of life. I have worked with people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, and religious/spiritual backgrounds. The settings have spanned community-based centers, homeless shelters, methadone clinics and treatment centers, a trauma recovery center, public schools, a college counseling center, and churches.
As a bilingual psychotherapist, I offer clinical mental health counseling services to the Latinx community in Spanish or English and specialize in supporting individuals struggling with addiction, complex PTSD, and/or exploring gender and sexuality issues. My priority is to create a culturally sensitive, respectful, and safe environment that invites exploration and curiosity to arise in a shared space whenever possible. When helpful, I use the lens of intersectionality to look at social trauma and layers of oppression. I believe in a non-coercive approach that constantly seeks to empower the individual.
Living my values / Viviendo mis valores
As someone who has dealt with her mental health issues, I practice rigorous self-care that includes quality sleep, acupuncture, working out, jogging around Savannah, mindful meditation sessions, regular massages, yoga, reading fiction, and my therapy sessions with a mental health professional.
Self-care is one of the main principles of my practice, and it begins with me, especially when doing trauma-informed work. Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky is an excellent resource for more information.
Vilma Castillo
she/her/ella
Vilma Castillo, LMSW
I am originally a Texas native. Shortly after relocating to South Georgia, I discovered Savannah during frequent visits and was captivated by its charm. After earning my undergraduate degree from Valdosta State University, I decided to make Savannah my home and pursue my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Savannah State University.
My professional journey has given me the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. I have gained valuable experience in various settings, including psychiatric and medical hospitals, non-profit organizations, a college counseling center, and health insurance providers, where I offered education, support, and resource connections.
As a bilingual psychotherapist, I am proud to offer services in both Spanish and English to the Latinx community. I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and women’s mental health, including perinatal and postpartum concerns. I am committed to fostering a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to heal and grow. I integrate cultural sensitivity into my work, recognizing the unique values and experiences that shape each client’s journey. My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and respect, and I am dedicated to honoring the resilience and strength of each individual I serve.
Mark Bowen
he/him/his
Mark Bowen, LMSW
I am originally from the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area, but I am no stranger to Savannah. My family’s deep historical roots date back to the early 18th century in Chatham County. After a long and rewarding career in the non-profit sector, where I had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, I returned to school at Savannah State University for a master's in social work.
As a licensed psychotherapist, my areas of expertise include supporting those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger, and personality disorders. As a social services provider at a psychiatric hospital, I have experience counseling and supporting those diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, etc.). You can expect that the space we share will be judgment-free, anti-oppressive, and geared toward your unique needs. My therapeutic approach is to foster an environment of active listening and collaboration to empower individuals to navigate the world surrounding them.
When preferred or as necessary, I will weave my experience as a holistic doula, horticultural therapist, or social worker to enhance the therapeutic process. As a holistic doula, my focus is to provide socio-emotional support and education to the partner of a pregnant person at any stage of the birth journey. As a horticultural therapist, I may employ plants as tools to assist with the therapeutic process. As a social worker, I can help identify and secure the necessary resources to live a balanced, fulfilling life.
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