Meet Therapist Jacquese “Jackie” Southern.
Life can be overwhelming and tough. Sometimes, we need more than our normal support systems. Sometimes, we need help moving forward and healing. Color, sexuality, gender or societal stereotypes and labels can add to ones struggle to navigate through life.
Whatever brings you to counseling, it is my honor and goal to be with you through your journey in healing.
Jackie works exclusively with adults.
I offer a safe, nonjudgmental, welcoming space for healing. My goal is to walk with you through your tough times, to help and encourage healthier thought processing and choices, so that you can navigate through life’s road blocks, have peace and be the best version of yourself.
My approach is eclectic, I draw from a variety of theories and tailor each case based on the individual client’s personality and needs.
I am EMDR trained, and I have been practicing EMDR with my clients since 2020.
My purpose is to give the client the best care possible, I do this by participating in continued educational courses and trainings, so that I can remain current with the best care for my clients.
Jackie works exclusively with adults, offering a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore life's challenges, better understand themselves, and make meaningful changes. She recognizes that our experiences are shaped not only by our personal histories and relationships but also by the expectations and systems we navigate every day. Her approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in the belief that meaningful growth comes from both understanding ourselves and taking intentional steps toward change.
Jackie particularly enjoys working with women navigating complex family dynamics, workplace challenges, and the intersection of race, gender, and personal identity. She has a special interest in supporting Black women who have ADHD, autism, or both, including those who are beginning to explore whether they may be neurodivergent. She understands that navigating environments built around neurotypical expectations can contribute to feelings of frustration, exhaustion, self-doubt, or pressure to meet standards that do not always align with an individual's needs. Jackie helps clients better understand their experiences, recognize their strengths, and develop strategies that support their well-being and sense of self.
Another area of interest for Jackie is helping individuals explore the impact of challenging family relationships, particularly complicated relationships with their mothers. She supports clients in understanding how early family experiences, expectations, and relational patterns may continue to influence their self-esteem, boundaries, and relationships in adulthood. This work often involves exploring longstanding emotional patterns, identifying unmet needs, and developing healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Jackie also enjoys working with creative individuals who may approach the world differently, think outside conventional expectations, or find themselves balancing their creative identities with the demands of everyday life. She values the unique perspectives that clients bring into therapy and encourages them to embrace their individuality while developing practical tools to navigate challenges.
Her therapeutic style is direct, collaborative, and tailored to each client's needs. Jackie combines practical, solution-focused strategies with opportunities to explore past experiences and the deeper patterns that may be contributing to present-day difficulties. She draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she has incorporated into her clinical work since 2020.
Jackie believes that therapy is most effective when clients are willing to engage in honest conversations, reflect on their experiences, and remain open to growth. She offers a supportive environment while also encouraging clients to challenge patterns that may no longer serve them. Her goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, strengthen their confidence, establish healthier relationships, and make choices that feel more aligned with who they are and how they want to live.
Jackie remains committed to her professional development through continuing education and training, allowing her to thoughtfully adapt her clinical approach to the evolving needs of the individuals she serves.