Dr. jackie jiang

I was born and raised in Dalian, a harbor city of a 6-million population in Northern China. I spent most of my childhood with my grandparents, who taught me Chinese traditional virtues and responsibilities. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Northeastern University in China. I came to America at age 23 and obtained a Master’s Degree in Human Services, majoring in Child and Family Studies, in 2006. In 2014, I obtained a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During the years, I have worked at various mental health places, such as community mental health centers, correctional facilities, Illinois state government, and private practice.  

 My education and training are in the area of children development, clinical assessment, and forensic testing.  I believe in diathesis theory—both “nature”, e.g., biological predisposition and genetics, and “nurture”, e.g., life experiences and environmental factors,  influence  a person's functioning and growth. By altering one or both, people can change.  Resilience is also an important factor in how people cope with life changes. I utilize an integrative approach in treatment. How I approach a client in therapy is according to the client's needs and the effectiveness of a treatment for a specific mental disorder and/or a set of problematic coping skills. I believe people change through positive therapeutic relationships with their therapists, which is a crucial factor in promoting successful outcome.  A good therapist has the ability to establish rapport, trust, and a positive therapeutic relationship with their clients. Relationship heals. I feel honored to have the trust from my clients and travel through a life journey with them.