Mindfulness & Somatic Therapist
Jackie Shpak, LLP
Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Patient Populations: Young Adults, Adults, Veterans
Education: Madonna University
You feel like it’s time to take care of yourself. Every time you try to devote time to yourself, life somehow gets in the way. Family, kids, work, school. It’s also the thoughts and feelings that keep you up at night. You hope to bring a sense of clarity to your life. You no longer want to feel led by all the “have tos” or “shoulds” in your life. You constantly support everyone around you. You are ready to receive support for yourself. Together in therapy, we will create a space of safety, curiosity, and kindness so you can discover your own version of healing. You will learn to be as compassionate towards yourself as you are towards others. In my practice, I like to incorporate techniques such as Somatic Experiencing, yoga, and mindfulness-based CBT. I am here to gently guide you toward a place of presence and developing trust within yourself.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is open to exploring how their feelings impact their mind, body and soul. Seeking gentle support along their path, they are willing to open up and be vulnerable. They are searching for safe space to process life's stressors and seek to find answers from within. Expressing curiosity about how stress might be held in the body, there is an openness to explore different methods such as somatic therapy, yoga and mindfulness to release it. I also enjoy working with helping professionals, veterans, teachers, first responders find work/life balance.
What’s something you wish people knew about therapy or the therapy process?
You get to come as you are. You deserve time and space to process your feelings and emotions in an atmosphere of safety, support and without judgment. It's a freeing and unique feeling to share with someone who is not a part of your daily life. In therapy, you determine the pace and choose the path we go on. I am alongside you the entire journey.
Why do you like being a therapist?
You know that sparkle in someone's eyes and the excitement in their voice when they get lost talking about something they love or are passionate about? I get to encourage that. I have the privilege of standing beside people during challenging moments and assisting them in illuminating the darkness around them. I get to remind people they're not alone and can have support through all parts of life. I get to empower people to see the light in themselves. When they lose sight of the light, I serve as a reminder. Witnessing the ripple effect as they, in turn, do the same for others is truly remarkable.
Besides being a therapist, what do you enjoy in your spare time?
Walks in nature, exploring local parks, beaches and nature centers, yoga, reading, sudoku, playing thumb piano & singing bowl.
What is your favorite book, podcast or mental health resource?
In An Unspoken Voice by Peter Levine, PhD
Becoming Safely Embodied by Deirdre Fay, MSW
The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook by Arielle Schwartz, PhD
The Somatic Therapy Workbook by Livia Sharpiro
The Embodied Healing Workbook Catherine Cook-Cottone, PhD, C-IAYT
Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: A Workbook for survivors and therapists Janina Fisher, PhD
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook Kristin Neff PhD & Christopher Germer PhD