About Me
Hi! I’m Jackie, a licensed, board-certified psychotherapist and founder of Art Therapy Source.
Self-expression promotes healing.
I’ve used the creative process to work through difficult events, deepen my awareness, and contain my emotions for as long as I can remember. Creating is a vital aspect of my everyday self-care. Along with art, some of my favorite things are being in nature, traveling, and reading, in no particular order. When I entered therapy as an art therapist-in-training, it changed my life. I stepped into the most authentic version of myself I’d ever been. I now have the honor of witnessing my clients make their own breakthroughs in therapy through building the kind of insight and self-awareness that leads to true healing.
I believe in deep exploration that gets to the source of what’s happening.
I work with clients on slowing down, connecting with their emotions, and cultivating self-awareness. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, and stress. They want to freely investigate their thoughts and feelings without judgment but struggle with self-criticism and limiting beliefs. Having lived and worked in one of the most fast-paced, high-pressure corners of the world, I know that therapy isn’t always prioritized over everything else we have to do. Yet, getting in touch with our emotions and experiences is vital. Clients often share with me how much art therapy sessions have improved their relationships, brought new insight and understanding, and cultivated or restored a sense of calm.
Art therapy draws upon our strengths without avoiding the discomfort of pain or negative emotions, helping us to accept and honor our full experiences in life. I often incorporate a variety of techniques and tools into art therapy sessions, such as ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I’ve also completed post-graduate certificate training in Modern Psychoanalysis and, most recently, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher training, both of which I draw upon in sessions.
I work with clients in developing their capacity to hold space for difficult feelings and learn skills to self-regulate, build emotional tolerance, and grow in their flexibility, empathy, and acceptance. Therapy is often a big step, and most people know when they’re ready to fully commit to this kind of work. If you are motivated to begin your healing, let’s talk about how we can work together.
Art Therapy May Be a Good Fit If You:
Feel ready to dig deep and explore in-depth
Are interested in using creative self-expression to identify your unique strengths
Struggle with perfectionism, comparison, self-doubt, or high sensitivity
Feel things deeply, have big emotions, or feel overwhelmed or “different” from others
Are naturally drawn to and appreciate different forms of art, dreams, creativity, or symbolism
Worry about what others think, tie your self-worth into productivity, or are hard on yourself
Are about to begin a big change or transitional moment in your life
Desire a guilt-free, judgment-free space to learn specific skills and tools and care for your mental health
Or loved one has an acute or chronic illness, or are facing the unique challenges of a cancer previvor or survivor
Are struggling with grief or loss, on a personal, national, or global level
Are predisposed to burnout or compassion fatigue as a healthcare worker or caregiver for a sick family member
Need to lower your stress levels and increase your sense of grounding and calm
Sense that your child or teen would benefit from therapy that is comfortable and engaging
Want to understand yourself and your relationships better, and build your self-awareness
My Credentials
My undergraduate degree is in Psychology (with lots of art history & fine art mixed in). I was inspired to pursue a career as a therapist after taking a community outreach class that focused on social justice and community engagement.
I received my Master’s from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, which emphasized an individualized approach to therapy that is interwoven with the many social, political, and cultural issues that impact treatment.
I have a decade of experience providing art therapy primarily in medical settings to individuals with neurocognitive disorders, genetic conditions, trauma, grief & loss, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
My most recent experience was working within a top-ranked children’s hospital in New York City where I worked with children, teenagers, and young adults receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders. I provided therapeutic support during and after medical procedures, surgeries, relapses, completion of treatment, and at the end of life.
I hold the highest-level art therapy credentials as a Licensed, Registered, and Board-Certified Art Therapist in both New Jersey and New York. I’m also an Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS). This means I’ve spent many hours supervising and receiving additional training so that I can offer supervision to new art therapists who are pursuing their credentials.
I recently completed a Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Training Certificate and a One-Year Training Certification in Modern Psychoanalysis.
Areas of Specialization:
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Grief and Loss
Relationship/Career Stress
Perfectionism and High-Achievers
Empaths and Deep Feelers
Siblings of Sick Children
Helping Professionals
Stress and Burnout
Cancer Previvors and Survivors
Change and Transition