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.  

I believe in diathesis theory—both “nature”, such as biology, genetics, personality, and brain chemicals, and “nurture”, such as life experiences and learning style, have influences on a person. By altering one or both, people can change.  I adopt an integrative approach in treatment. How I approach a client in therapy is according to the client's needs and the effectiveness of a certain treatment for a mental disorder. I believe people change through positive therapeutic relationships with their therapists. I would like to help people achieve their goals in life and find meanings. I am willing to listen, to understand, to explore, and to travel through a life journey together with my clients.  

The goals of existential therapy can be set as to engage clients in self-exploration, which include being truthful with selves, widening perspectives on selves and the world around them, and clarifying what gives meaning to present and future life (Corey, 2004), to increase of responsibility and self-determination, and to challenge clients to discover alternatives and widen choices. The outcomes are expected to be that clients take control of their lives, grow with awareness of self and surroundings, are able to make free choices wisely, take responsibility for the consequences of actions, and are no more the victims of circumstances. 

Corey, G. (2004). Theory and practice of group counseling (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson Learning. ISBN: 0534596975.Corsini, R. J., & Wedding, D. (2008). Current psychotherapies (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson Learning. ISBN: 9780495097143. 

 “CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE: EVALUATION OF A DIVORCE EDUCATION PROGRAM” (2014).