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Education
I think the greatest education in our lives can come from our life experiences and interactions with others. I captured some of these experiences in my books and my blog.
My formal education came from University of Florida (undergraduate) and later Prescott College, where I graduated with a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling with a Post-Masters Certificate in Expressive Art Therapy.
While in my masters program, I completed a year-long (600+ hours) art therapy internship at Eastpointe High School. I provided individual art therapy to adolescents (aged 14-22) and taught two art-therapy based classes for grief/loss and identity development.
Afterward, I competed an internship for mental health counseling at Tucson Counseling Associates. I provided over 500 hours of individual, couples, and family therapy. I worked primarily with adults on issues of anxiety, depression, identity, and relationship strain.
I am a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arizona, and National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Outside the Office
I believe it is important for us to allow space in our lives for things that nourish and recharge the soul.
For me, those things include connecting with my family and friends, art journaling, spending time in nature, playing games, going on walks, puzzling (I love puzzles!) and creating art. I also love writing books and essays on psychological topics.
About Me
Hello! I'm Jackie. I am overflowing with joy and awe that I am an art therapist (ATR-BC) and counselor (LPC). I love what I do. It blends my insatiable interest in psychology, my love of art, and my desire to help people live more intentional, meaningful lives.
I appreciate that every day I get to have deep conversations with others about topics that significantly impact their well-being. I love working together to explore the answers to complex questions,
Why do I feel so much?
If I know better, why can't I manage to do better?
How do I stop worrying so much?
My life seems good, why can't I manage to be happy?
I've intentionally worked to face and explore my own questions. I know change is possible because I've walked that journey and see it around me daily. I feel honored to bring the hope to others that at times felt very out of reach to me.
I see the therapeutic role as a sacred trust and seek to honor you and all that you are. It is my hope that our work together will help you to strengthen your skills, heal wounds, increase your confidence, and empower you to overcome suffering, detrimental patterns, and limitations. My ultimate goal is to reconnect you with yourself and help you build a joyful, meaningful life.
I love that I get to do this through art therapy, which allows for a magical blend of insight, science, connection, creation, and expression. If you'd like to read more about art therapy and what to expect in a session, you can read here. If you'd like to learn more about my services, you can read here. My services are inclusive to all sexual orientations and gender identities.
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