Licensed Therapist in Montana & California
My Approach to Therapy
I believe that stress and trauma are at the root of many mental health challenges. Symptoms, whether they show up as anxiety, people pleasing, or caregiver burnout, are often the body’s normal response to abnormal experiences. I specialize in helping individuals, particularly women, understand how their nervous system reacts to past traumas, and together, we work toward healing and creating inner calm.
Using an attachment and relational lens, I focus on the idea that our wounds often occur in the context of relationships, and thus, healing must take place in relationships as well. I hope our therapeutic relationship provides a safe space for you to explore and transform these patterns. I also incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into therapy, helping clients reconnect with themselves and others in a deeper, more authentic way.
As a depth-oriented therapist, I work to uncover the roots of suffering and help you understand that the symptoms you experience today may have once played an adaptive role. My goal is to support you in identifying what holds you back and developing the tools needed for lasting change. I believe that mental health is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one, and I take into account the influence of intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and environmental factors in my work.
I believe that taking care of our mental health is not solely an individual’s job, but a collective task. We need each other. I recognize that symptoms can often arise from environmental and social factors such as lack of support, access to care, intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression and operate from a strengths based and non-pathological lens.
You can explore my therapeutic style and bite-sized mental health tips on my Instagram page: @mytherapistjaclyn.
Experience & Education
Before opening my private practice in 2021, I worked as the Director of Counseling at a rape crisis center, where I supported survivors of sexual assault for five years. I have provided therapy in various settings, including elementary and high schools, community clinics, and juvenile detention centers. I have also facilitated support groups for survivors of sexual abuse, teen moms, and human trafficking survivors.
I hold undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. I am licensed to practice in both California and Montana, where I specialize in trauma therapy, childhood trauma recovery, and people pleasing. As a lifelong learner, I continue to pursue advanced training to provide the most effective care for my clients.
Recent Certifications & Trainings:
- Advanced Perinatal Mental Health, Postpartum Support International (2024)
- Perinatal Mental Health: Components of Care, Postpartum Support International (2024)
- NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) NARM Master Therapist, (In Progress)
- Clinical Supervision Certification, NASW (2023)
- NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) Level 2 Training Assistant (2022 – Present)
- NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) Level 2 Certified NARM Therapist (2021)
- Trauma Focused CBT (2020)
- NeuroSequental Model of Therapuetics (NMT), Bruce Perry (2018)
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Level 2 (EMDR), EMDRIA Institute (2017)
- California Certified Sexual Assault Counselor – Rape Trauma Services (2014)
- Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University (2011)
About Jaclyn – Fellow Human Stuff
I am deeply passionate about human connection and creating space for meaningful conversations. My own personal journey has shaped my ability to support others in building healthy relationships, cultivating resilience, and developing a strong sense of self.
I’ve lived in Scotland, Texas, California, and now Montana, love to travel, and appreciate learning from folks of other cultures and backgrounds. I feel most at peace when I am on the river, feel most myself when I am in community with women, and feel most alive when I am dancing or watching a good sunset. I am an extrovert who tends to get too competitive during board games. I’m a mama to one human and one dog. My soul medicine includes: my own therapy, laughing, being in nature, engaging in joyful movement, writing poetry, quality time with loved ones, and enjoying homemade food (especially cookies).
What Others Have to Say:
It can be challenging to talk about yourself and your strengths. As I was struggling with this, I received some advice to ask colleagues who know me well and have worked with me in various clinical settings over the years to answer the question “how would you describe me to someone who was thinking about working with me?” . I am so grateful they took the time to reflect and share.
Here are their anonymous responses:
“Jaclyn is dedicated, driven and empathetic. She will devote herself to her craft and will make sure she individualizes her therapy for each person and their needs. She will make you feel comfortable and safe.”
“Jaclyn has the ability to listen intently and validate what you are going through without giving unsolicited advice. Being able to turn to her has truly helped me navigate the adversity and life changes that I’ve gone through in recent years.”
“She is really kind and sweet and knows a sh*t ton about trauma. If you are looking for someone who will make you feel welcome and safe and is just, like, a nice, non-threatening lady, but who still can absolutely handle your sh*t and help you learn to hold it, Jaclyn is your gal.”
“Jaclyn’s big beautiful heart makes her a great therapist. She’s the kind of person you can tell genuinely cares about helping people. She’s constantly working to improve her skill set. Everyone finds her easy to talk to, welcoming, warm, and non-judgemental. Jaclyn chooses her words with care to ensure she is honest and clear, but also kind and considerate. Pick her. She’s the one.”
“Jaclyn is a warm and compassionate therapist with specialized training in treating trauma.”
“Jaclyn is a genuine, empathic and thoughtful person. She really listens to what is said, and not said, and responds in considerate and attentive ways. She is trauma informed in every interaction she has and holds that as a strong value. Jaclyn is also very honest and true to her values and does not shy away from difficult conversations. She is honest yet always thoughtful and respectful.”
“Jaclyn is the perfect therapist for someone looking to start therapy in a friendly, yet comprehensive environment. With discussion, methods, and the space to grow and develop, therapy with Jaclyn feels like “talking to your best friend.” Her engagement, positive attitude, willingness to listen and understand, and authenticity makes a difference in the lives of her clients.”
“Jaclyn is experienced, honest and a very caring therapist. She has a logical, straightforward manner. She’s is very open and easy to talk to. Jaclyn has a very professional manner but is also a warm hearted person that you can relate to.”
“Jaclyn is very competent, accepting, nonjudgmental. Trauma informed.”
“Jaclyn is a very kind and caring person, who listens to your every concern with reflective, considerate thought, and provides reasonable alternatives and suggestions.”
“She looks at the whole person. Your context, she checks her privileges and makes the time to understand the impact of the experiences you’ve been through.”
“Jaclyn is open and honest. She has genuine curiosity, never jumping to conclusions without asking more questions, clarifying, and being open to the response. Jaclyn is approachable and has an ease about her that offers a sense of safety in her presence.”
“You are unique as a therapist because you are a “safe space”. You are not overly clinical or distant – you are compassionate, thoughtful, and supportive. This makes opening up to you as easy as opening up to a friend. It’s clear in speaking with you that you hold no judgement, and that you truly come from a place of love, not obligation. Your skill, combined with this empathy and love makes you the best possible option for a therapist.”
“Very compassionate and well versed in the brain!”
“easy to connect with, non judgmental, understanding, consistent”
“Jaclyn is not only experienced and highly knowledgeable in her field, she also cares and wants to help. Few people are better suited to their professions.”
“Jaclyn is a warm, approachable and gifted therapist. Jaclyn is uniquely attuned to the complex elements of mental health care and can provide a safe space for anyone who interacts with her.”
Ready to connect and see if we are a good fit? Schedule a free no pressure consultation below.