“The healer you have been looking for is your own courage
to know and love yourself completely.”
Meet Jacqueline
We all have a story. We are all the sum of our experiences. When I was about to turn 16, my best friend committed suicide. She was the second teen to commit suicide within my cohort.
The grave impact this had on my life paved the way for my aspirations to have a job in the mental health field. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to help other teens from making such a permanent decision on life. Teenagers exist in a stressful time – dealing with hormones, changing bodies, quick-to-change friendships, and relationships. Throw in the added stress that society places on 17-year-olds – decide what you’re going to do with the rest of your life, choose a college, a career, the military, your family, etc. – and that’s an unprecedented amount of responsibility for someone so young.
Experience
During my undergraduate work in Psychology, I interned at Pilgrim State Hospital to gain insight on institutionalization as well as a thorough understanding of severe mental illness. I then transitioned to a school setting, working in the guidance department, which confirmed my desire to work with adolescents and families. I went on to graduate work to earn my dual masters in mental health and school counseling.
These personal and professional experiences have shaped my future. I have opened a private practice where I continue to work with families, adolescents, and adults during transitional times. This allows me to do what I am most passionate about: help people – especially young people – and hopefully, one patient at a time, reduce the suicide rate.
Approach
I practice a style of psychotherapy which focuses on building a warm, empathic relationship between therapist and client. I aim to help each client achieve his or her own goals and fulfill their potential. I tend to practice psychodynamic therapy, an insight oriented treatment and I also incorporate aspects of other techniques into my work as well, such as mindfulness, coping skills, and grounding techniques.
Ready to get started?
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise ”