Jaclyn Papa

Biography

I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction and Drug Counselor with 17 years of experience in the field. I began my career working with pregnant women and parenting men who had open DCPP cases due to their SUD’s and wanted to help keep families together.

I have worked in various modalities such as re-entry for incarcerated individuals, partial care treatment, health education, private practice, and medicated assisted treatment.  My therapeutic approaches include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy to better assist my patients in gaining the necessary tools to effectively and appropriately manage their negative emotions. I also believe in using a mindfulness approach to help individuals better understand and identify internal and external triggers that can lead to maladaptive and addictive behaviors.

I also believe in using a mindfulness approach in treatment in order to better assist my patients in understanding their physical triggers before they become negative thoughts and feelings.

I am passionate about women’s mental health and have experience in trauma-informed care.  I also understand and recognize the impact trauma can have on someone’s daily functioning and its ability to change the way our brain functions.  

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Cabrini College in 2007 and obtained my CADC in 2013.  I recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Science in Counseling specializing in addiction and trauma. I also have experience working with individuals with late-in-life ADHD diagnoses.  I believe in a holistic and person-centered approach to treatment.

I enjoy fostering animals in my free time and would love to find a way to incorporate fostering into treatment

When you work with me, you’ll find a collaborator, an empathetic ear, and someone who’s always eager to explore new paths with you. I’m all about tailoring our sessions to fit your unique needs, pulling from a range of theoretical frameworks to help you reach your goals.

My passion for social work runs deep—it’s born from my own journey of overcoming adversity. That’s why I’m fiercely dedicated to advocating for and empowering individuals from all walks of life. Whether you’re grappling with grief, trauma, addiction, or any other challenge, I’m here for you.

Your story is what makes you unique, and I consider it a privilege to meet and support individuals like you. With my nonjudgmental approach and a warm, welcoming environment, together we can navigate whatever life throws your way. Change isn’t always easy, but with dedication and a willingness to explore, positive transformation is within your reach. Your story is yours to shape, and I’m here to help you uncover your truth and rewrite your narrative.

You are worthy of a life despite all the societal, cultural, environmental, and generational barriers you’ve faced. I will not promise that it will be easy, but if you are willing to do the work your story WILL change! So, if you’re ready to take that first step towards a brighter future, I’m here to walk this journey with you.