Jackie is a passionate and empathetic therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve their personal goals. Completing their master's degree in social work in 2021, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a focus on anxiety, stress management, and self-esteem. Known for their approachable, non-judgmental style, Jackie works collaboratively with clients to create a safe and supportive environment for growth. They are committed to helping clients build resilience, embrace change, and lead more fulfilling lives. When not in the office, Jackie enjoys camping, hiking, crocheting and spending time with her dogs, and is continuously seeking professional development opportunities to further enhance their skills.
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where you’ll feel heard and understood. This initial session is about getting to know each other, understanding your concerns, and setting the foundation for our work together. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Introductions and Building Rapport: I’ll introduce myself and explain the therapy process, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported. It’s important to me that you feel safe and respected in this space. 2. Discussing Your Concerns: We’ll talk about the reasons you decided to seek therapy, any challenges or difficulties you’re currently facing, and your goals for our work together. You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. 3. Exploring Your History and Context: I may ask about relevant aspects of your background—like your personal history, relationships, or life circumstances—to gain a holistic understanding of your situation. 4. Setting Goals and Expectations: We’ll discuss what you hope to achieve through therapy. Whether it’s managing anxiety, building self-esteem, navigating a life transition, or something else, we’ll work together to define clear goals and tailor our approach to your needs. 5. Introduction to Therapy Techniques: Depending on your concerns, I may introduce you to some initial strategies or techniques that align with the therapy approach (e.g., mindfulness, reframing negative thoughts, or setting small achievable goals). This gives you a sense of how our sessions will work. 6. Questions and Next Steps: You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions about the process, and we’ll discuss the next steps for your therapy journey. I’ll explain the structure of future sessions, including how we’ll track progress and make adjustments as needed. Above all, the first session is about laying a foundation of trust and partnership. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how therapy works and what to expect moving forward, while also feeling confident that you have a safe space to explore and work on your challenges.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, non-judgmental environment, my flexibility in treatment approaches, and my dedication to helping clients achieve lasting change. 1. Empathy and Compassion: I am deeply attuned to the emotional experiences of my clients, which helps create a warm and supportive space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings. I believe that empathy is key to fostering trust and helping clients feel understood and accepted, which is essential for meaningful therapeutic work. 2. Collaborative Approach: I prioritize working alongside my clients as partners in the therapeutic process. I value open communication and believe in the importance of tailoring our sessions to meet each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. This collaborative approach allows clients to feel empowered and engaged in their own healing process. 3. Evidence-Based Techniques: I utilize a range of research-backed methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which I find effective in helping clients address anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and other common challenges. My ability to integrate these techniques allows me to provide practical, actionable strategies that help clients manage their emotions and take positive steps toward their goals. 4. Flexibility and Adaptability: I understand that each person’s journey is different. I’m flexible in adjusting my approach based on what works best for the individual client, whether that’s offering tools to manage stress, helping clients identify and shift negative thought patterns, or supporting them in making lasting behavioral changes. 5. Commitment to Growth: I am always learning and evolving as a therapist, seeking out new training opportunities, and integrating new techniques into my practice. This commitment to professional growth allows me to offer clients the most up-to-date and effective interventions. Ultimately, my strengths as a provider are rooted in my genuine care for my clients' well-being, my flexibility in supporting their unique needs, and my dedication to helping them live fuller, more meaningful lives.
CBT is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress. It is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and by changing maladaptive thinking, we can improve emotional responses and behavioral patterns.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes psychological flexibility, the ability to be open to experiences, to be present in the moment, and to take action that aligns with personal values. ACT differs from traditional CBT in that it does not focus on changing or eliminating negative thoughts, but instead encourages individuals to accept these thoughts and emotions and commit to actions that are in line with their values, regardless of the discomfort they may cause.