Jacqueline Stevens is an LMSW on a mission to de-stigmatize mental health for all. She aims to encourage BIPOC women struggling to find inner peace and mental stability to learn culturally appropriate interventions to navigate the complexities of health, wellness, and peace.

As a black woman who is a wife, mom, therapist, and entrepreneur, she personally understands the unsaid cultural and societal expectations for BIPOC women to display strength and keep their emotions intact. It's exhausting and prevents many from seeking therapeutic services. She has now made it her mission to do away with the 'Strong Black Woman' narrative. The goal is simply to be strong, black, and a woman - enjoying mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

As a therapist, Jacqueline uses a broad range of cognitive behavioral and evidenced-based techniques in the counseling process, with an aptitude for employing narrative therapy. As the culmination of our life experiences, she believes individuals are the experts in their lives. Accordingly, she helps clients discover their voices by exploring their narratives and the associated meanings of past experiences.

A Bronx native, Jacqueline grew up in New York's foster care and group home systems when she was not residing in her grandparents' care. She experienced various traumas, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse. However, due to cultural barriers such as stigma, community disapproval, and spiritual disbelief in receiving treatment, she suppressed her emotions and refused therapy until 2016. After losing her grandfather and being encouraged by those closest to her, Jacqueline sought counseling for the first time and experienced the transformative effects of therapy. She became a mental health advocate and decided to make a career change.

Before becoming a therapist, Jacqueline worked in administration for companies such as Deloitte, MasterCard, Newman's Own, and MasterCard. Jacqueline earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Rosemont College and a Master of Social Work degree from Sacred Heart University.

Most notably, she was honored with a Ph.D. from Rosemont College as their Spring '22 commencement speaker; and the Social Justice award from Sacred Heart University for her work and commitment to de-stigmatize mental illness within marginalized communities.

When she is not posting content on Instagram or writing posts for her blog Jacquelineistevens.com, Jacqueline spends precious time with her family (you might see them appear in her content occasionally).