Hi, I’m Jacqui.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (License #: 180.013720 serving Illinois residents) serving in Chicago. I have been practicing for seven years and EMDR is one of the main tools I use with clients. If you choose to work with me we will first assess your needs and what brought you to therapy. We will explore elements of your story to better understand the emotional landscape of your life; the events that have shaped you. Although I take this approach to the beginning of therapy, know that I do not see you as simply a set of symptoms that need to be decreased. Instead, it is my belief that you are a multi-faceted individual with many different parts, all-of-which have worked hard to bring you to this place. I utilize EMDR, somatic therapy, parts-work and other evidence-based approaches to support individuals towards their mental health goals and towards living full lives that they can feel present for.

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Jacqui’s Areas of Expertise

Lesson’s From My Childhood

When I was a kid, I got to watch my mom's counseling journey from the sidelines. My young eyes got the chance to witness her evolve into someone who knew her worth. I observed how she became well acquainted with vulnerability and boy was that such a gift to me. She modeled not only how effective therapy can be, but also how great our capacity to grow and change is.

Therapy is hard work. I respect each of my clients so much for deciding to embark on the journey. It takes such courage doesn't it? I am a big believer that in order for me to best support my clients I must first be brave enough to step into my own pain. I am no stranger to the fear that is felt before one plunges head-first into emotional terrain that has been locked away. Before clinking the link to my own therapy sessions there have been many moments where I could feel my stomach in knots. With each session, I continue to strengthen the part of myself that has the ability to hold my own pain. Doing my own work makes me a better human, mother, sister, friend and therapist and so I continue to click the link. I am not scared of "my stuff" and I'd love to walk with you through yours. 

I promise to be brave enough to show up authentically in the space we share. I hope that by me being brave you will recognize that EVERY part of you is welcome in our space; the parts of yourself that you love and the parts that emerged out of protection and pain.

Lesson from my daughter

When my daughter was three, her and I were laughing together and out of nowhere she said,

“Laughing is good for the body, it makes it not broken”

After I picked my jaw up off the ground, thinking I was raising a little guru, I began to reflected on the truth of her words. She was so right, here is why: Laughing prompts the parasympathetic nervous system—our bodies “rest and digest” calming response. When we experience a big belly laugh with friends it activates our diaphragms which stimulates the vagus nerve, slowing the heart rate and ushering in feeling of relaxation. Communal belly laughs are a healing and are always welcome in my therapeutic space.