New to Grow
Hi, I’m Jacqueline Gordon, a perinatal mental health therapist and the owner of Open Book Counseling. I specialize in supporting mothers and birthing parents who are navigating anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and the emotional weight that can come with pregnancy and postpartum. I also work with individuals processing complex trauma, particularly those who have spent much of their lives being “the strong one.” My approach is warm, honest, and collaborative. I create a space where you can show up fully as you are, while also gently challenging you to grow beyond survival mode. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel more grounded, connected, and aligned in your life and relationships.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session with me is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a comfortable, trusting connection. I see it as both a “vibe check” and an opportunity for you to share what’s bringing you to therapy, at your own pace, there’s no pressure to have it all figured out. I’ll ask some gentle questions to better understand your experiences, your current challenges, and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. You’ll also have space to ask me questions and get a feel for how I work. My goal is to create an environment where you feel safe, seen, and supported, while we begin identifying what meaningful growth could look like for you moving forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where clients feel deeply seen, understood, and safe to be fully themselves, while also being gently challenged to grow. I balance warmth and honesty, allowing clients to explore difficult emotions without feeling judged, while also helping them move out of patterns that keep them stuck. My work is rooted in supporting mothers and birthing parents, as well as individuals navigating complex trauma. I have a strong understanding of the emotional weight of being “the strong one,” especially within Caribbean and culturally diverse communities, and I help clients unpack generational patterns, identity shifts, and unspoken expectations. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode. Through our work together, they gain clarity, build emotional awareness, and develop the confidence to show up more authentically in their lives and relationships. My approach is collaborative, intentional, and focused on creating meaningful, lasting change and not just temporary relief.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are high-functioning mothers and birthing parents who appear to have it all together on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. Many are navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or early motherhood while managing careers, relationships, and the pressure to meet everyone’s needs but their own. I also work closely with individuals from Caribbean and culturally diverse backgrounds who are unpacking generational expectations, identity, and the impact of being “the strong one.” I specialize in supporting clients who are processing complex trauma and are ready to move beyond survival mode, even if they’re unsure where to start. My clients are often insightful, driven, and self-aware, but feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or feeling emotionally unseen in their relationships. In our work together, I create a space where clients feel deeply understood while also being gently challenged to grow. My ideal clients are those who are ready to do meaningful, transformative work and healing, redefining themselves, and building a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and truly their own.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build awareness of their thoughts and emotions without becoming controlled by them. I gently challenge clients to move away from avoidance and instead lean into what is present, while identifying their core values. Together, we focus on taking intentional, values-driven actions so clients can create a more meaningful and aligned life, even in the midst of anxiety, depression, or major life transitions.
Grief Therapy
I approach grief therapy with compassion while also creating space for honesty and reflection. I support clients in processing loss at their own pace, while gently challenging avoidance and helping them make meaning of their experience. Together, we explore the emotional impact of grief, honor what has been lost, and work toward integrating that loss into their life in a way that allows for both healing and continued connection.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma-Focused CBT to help clients understand how past traumatic experiences continue to impact their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In our work together, I create a safe and supportive space while gently guiding clients to process their experiences, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build healthier coping skills. My approach is paced and collaborative, allowing clients to regain a sense of control, safety, and confidence over time.