Jacqueline Struck

The human experience is dynamic, and my approach to therapy reflects that. I’m Jacqueline, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I’m part of Clear Mind Counseling’s San Diego therapy team, where I work with adults navigating a wide range of concerns across different stages of life.

I have extensive experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and major life transitions. My primary area of specialty is working with people seeking to address the ongoing impact of complex trauma and related concerns, including interpersonal difficulties, codependency, insecure attachment, narcissistic abuse, identity challenges, substance dependence, and mood dysregulation.

In my work, I often weave Polyvagal concepts into interventions drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic frameworks. My approach focuses on helping clients understand where patterns such as insecure attachment, identity confusion, low self-worth, difficulty setting boundaries, and relational distress originate — and how these patterns can keep us stuck in repetitive cycles.

Clients often describe my style as validating, authentic, and grounding. I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels warm, engaging, and adaptable, tailoring my work to each person’s values, goals, and individual needs.

CLINICAL FOCUS

MY APPROACH

MY PHILOSOPHY ON THE THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCE AND CHANGE

Success in therapy heavily relies on a solid foundation of trust, genuine connection and safety. I carry a philosophy that no means of coping is ‘maladaptive’. All coping methods serve a function and deserve self-compassion instead of self-blame. Living with lingering effects of hardships in the past is not a result of personal shortcomings, but more so the lack of proper support needed. In order to create change, it's important to understand and address the role shame plays in blocking us from taking action. Challenging negative conclusions we’ve drawn about ourselves brings us closer to self-empowerment, which is the driving force of transformation. Empowerment can be unlocked through curious / non-judgemental exploration of self-limiting beliefs and subsequent reframing of our narrative.

 Although gaining insight into why we struggle is crucial, it is not sufficient. Applying our insight is a necessary step to create the sustained change we seek. Learning skills such as self-compassion, assertive communication, defusion techniques, somatic attunement and self-regulation can help address underlying drivers of our issues as well as improve our ability to navigate and free ourselves from challenging environments.

Ensuring a good fit between therapist and client is crucial for successful therapy. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good match. Taking this FIRST step to seek support is important, and we are honored to guide you on your path towards healing and personal growth.