Hi! I am JACKIE.
If you are here, something in your life is not going how you thought it would, or what you are carrying is too heavy to do alone. I am encouraged that you are advocating for yourself and looking for help! I look forward to meeting you!
My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
My journey into this work began with my own mental health challenges. As a young adult, I struggled with anxiety and low self-esteem and found myself looking for “escape” anywhere I could find it.
During this time, I began going to therapy to learn tools and gain insight into my thoughts, emotions, and patterns. It was the best decision I made for myself at that time. I discovered missing pieces of myself and walked away with invaluable understanding and self-awareness.
I began healing old wounds and experiencing JOY.
As a result of my own transformative personal growth, I have an immense passion for the life-changing power of therapy and a belief that everyone deserves the same gift that was given to me.
My Background
& Training
Education
Master’s degree in counseling from The University of North Texas. I am EMDR trained and IFS Level 1 trained.
Clinical Experience and Training
My clinical experience and training include work at the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center and Turning Point Rape Crisis Center, working with survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in treatment centers and hospitals focused on trauma and addiction and in non-profit as the Director of a program that provided holistic services to underserved populations.
I’ve also pursued specialized training in trauma therapy, addiction counseling, OCD, and maternal mental health. These experiences provide me with a skillset in conceptualizing the role of addiction and mental health within family systems, as well as individuals who have been impacted by trauma.
How I Work
I show up in our space genuinely and authentically, with the hope that you will feel safe to do so yourself. I work to maintain a balance of being warm and empathetic while challenging my clients when appropriate.
As a humanistic therapist, I am not going to pathologize your problems or jump to a diagnosis–I want to understand the root cause of your suffering and help you work toward meaningful change. I value your agency in the therapeutic process and meet you at your point of need and go at your pace.
My Approach
At the heart of my work is the belief that a picture of wellness must include mind, body, and spirit, whether that is faith-based or different beliefs. Our work will be holistic in nature and include all aspects of yourself.
Some of the approaches I draw from include:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- A Strength-Based Perspective: Focusing on what is working and building upon your existing strengths.
- A Trauma-Informed Lens: Recognizing the impact of past experiences and creating a safe, supportive space for healing.
What I Want You to Know
Forty percent of therapists have received their own therapy for mental health–I am one of them.
I love this profession and do it because it is my passion, not just a job.
I have been where you are and understand that seeking therapy is an act of self-love, although you may not believe that yet. I love learning about new therapeutic tools and ideas that will help my clients, and I am dedicated to my ongoing growth, personally and professionally. I am an ally, encourager, and I am rooting for you!
Outside of Therapy
When I am not working with clients, I enjoy playing games with my family, hiking, and traveling.
I love worship music, massages, and authentic Mexican food. These moments of connection and joy fuel my passion for this work and remind me of the importance of balance and self-care.
Our Name
After God, my family holds the most precious place in my heart. With two daughters born in July, their birthstones—rubies—have always symbolized love and deep connection for me.
As they were growing up, I always quoted Proverbs 3:15: “She is far more precious than rubies.” Upon deeper understanding of that verse, I realized that “she” refers to wisdom as more precious than rubies.
As a therapist, I believe wisdom and insight are some of the best tools my clients can walk away with. My hope is that Ruby House is a place of warmth, authenticity, acceptance and love, filled with "a-ha moments" (wisdom) that spur inner awareness leading to more peace, JOY and contentment.
