Jackie Shpak, LLP, SEP

Mindfulness & Somatic Therapist

• Therapist

  Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

• Patient Populations: College Students, Adults, First Responders, Veterans

• Education: Madonna University

• In network with:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

  • Blue Care Network

  • Aetna

You tend to feel things deeply. Often, you notice what shifts in a room or goes unsaid, sensing what others need before they even ask. Giving so much of yourself can make saying no feel impossible, leading to feelings of guilt or second-guessing. Even when stepping back is necessary, there’s a quiet fear that you’ll disappoint others if you don’t keep showing up the way you always have.

You’re thoughtful and self-aware. You notice how your past influences the way you show up, and you try to respond rather than react. Still, offering yourself the same understanding you give others can feel surprisingly difficult. Self-compassion doesn’t always come easily, especially when you’re used to being the steady one.

Therapy isn’t a place for being told what to do. The focus is on slowing down, listening more closely, and discovering where you want to be.. I believe you already have the answers inside you. Therapy is about creating the conditions where your own clarity, boundaries, and direction can emerge, not giving you cookie-cutter answers or advice.

Many of the people I work with are going through a life transition—such as college, a career shift, divorce, growing a family, or redefining oneself after years of caring for others. You are capable and insightful, yet still feel like you’re carrying too much on your own. Support hasn’t always been consistent or safe, and asking for help can feel unfamiliar.

Our work is intentional, paced, and collaborative. We pay attention to boundaries, nervous system responses, and the patterns that once helped you cope but may no longer fit. Healing here is slow, relational, and grounded in self-compassion. There are no quick fixes—just steady, meaningful change over time.

• Treatment Focus Areas

  • Anxiety

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Coping Skills

  • Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

  • Depression

  • Dissociation

  • Divorce or Breakup

  • Empaths/Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)

  • LGTBQ+

  • Life Transitions (Career Change, Retirement, Moving, Parenthood, etc)

  • Neurodiverse Individuals

  • Peer Relationships

  • Relationships

  • Recovering Perfectionists and People Pleasers

  • Self-Esteem

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

  • Social Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Trauma/PTSD

  • Women’s Health

• Therapy Modalities

  • Somatic Experiencing

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

  • Mindfulness/Meditation

  • Eclectic

  • Psychodynamic

  • Person Centered

  • Strength Based

  • Culturally Sensitive

  • Mindfulness Based CBT

Get to Know Jackie:

• 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?

  • The Polyvagal Theory Workbook for Trauma By Arielle Schwartz, PhD

  • Glimmers Journal :  Reflect on the small moments that bring you joy, safety, and connection by Deb Dana

  • Body of Knowledge Card Deck :  Sensorimotor Practices for Awareness, Regulation, and Expansion by Pat Ogden

  • The Nervous System Workbook: practical exercises to ease anxiety, find safety, and come home to yourself using polyvagal theory by Deb Dana 

  • Waking The Tiger Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine