Jacqui Andrews, Licensed Clinical Social Worker embraces a nurturing and authentic approach to therapy, gently leading clients towards a fuller understanding of themselves and as a result, enabling clients to reconnect with their inner strengths and resilience. 

From a young age, Jacqui wanted to help people. Her younger sister’s brain disorder diagnosis, coinciding with the involvement of a social worker influenced Jaqui to pursue a career in social work. 

Since earning her MSW from Smith College, Jacqui has worked with individuals and couples across the lifespan, indulging rape crisis, college counseling, and psychadelic assisted settings. She continues to work with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples. 

Jaqui is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She also may incorporate mindfulness-based techniques during sessions.

Above all, Jacqui is dedicated to creating an authentic and heartfelt space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. 

We sat down with Jacqui to learn more about her approach to working with clients online and in-person from our Amherst office.

What inspired you to become a therapist and what has your background experience involved?

Growing up, I really wanted to work with people in a helping field and considered nursing or teaching. When my younger sister was diagnosed with a brain disorder, a social worker would come to our house and do weekly visits with her and our family. I was so inspired by this type of care, I went on to follow the path of social work. 

In college, I did educational counseling with people overseas in the military, teaching them how to access their benefits and explore their options for post-secondary education, while still in active duty. 

I went on to pursue my Masters of Social Work at Smith College, and worked with children and families involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) with trauma history, as well as with individuals at the UMass Rape Crisis Counseling Center. 

After graduating from Smith College, I stayed at the Rape Crisis Counseling Center for 10 years and then went on to private practice, working primarily with college students and people struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and sexual violence. 

Now working with HBH, I continue to spend two weeks working at a therapeutic summer camp for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer.

How would you describe your therapeutic style and approach?

My approach to therapy is warm, down to earth, and collaborative. I show up authentically for clients, bringing my fullness and presence to the relationship as to invite clients to access and share more of themselves with me. Our therapeutic relationship sets the foundation for our work together and creates the space for clients to feel genuinely heard, seen, and supported. 

My clinical foundation is Psychodynamic and I may utilize evidence-based modalities such as Internal Family Systems, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Gottman, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, depending on the clients unique needs and goals. I also may offer mindfulness and meditative practices throughout sessions.

What mental health conditions and life challenges do you offer treatment for?

I’m here to support children, adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing the following mental health conditions and life challenges:

• Trauma
• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias 
• Bipolar Disorder
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Depression
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-harm
• LGBTQIA+
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia/Binge Eating)  
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career

What advice would you give to someone who’s curious about starting therapy?

I would remind people that it’s really brave to even consider therapy. The act of picking up the phone and asking for support, especially when you’re struggling, is both an act of courage and self-compassion.

I’d also remind people that there’s not a one-size-fits-all therapist. If you’ve had negative experiences with one therapist in the past, there are millions of other therapists to explore.

What’s your favorite part about being a therapist?

I think my favorite part about being a therapist is getting to genuinely know the stories and details of peoples lives, and being with clients through their stories as they change and evolve throughout their lives.

What do you like about living and working as a therapist in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is home for me. I’m originally from Eastern, Massachusetts and moved to Amherst after spending many years living overseas. I love being surrounded by college students and witnessing the challenges and successes that college students face has really shaped my practice. It’s inspiring to watch the next generation of young activists, advocates, and thinkers pave their way forward.

Start working with Jaqui Andrews, LICSW in Massachusetts today:

Jacqui Andrews, LICSW is dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds reconnect with their inner resilience and sense of wholeness. 

Her authentic and warm approach to therapy, merged with a psychodynamic clinical foundation, enables clients to explore their innermost selves, cultivate self-compassion, and navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience. 

To start working with Jaqui online or in-person from our Amherst office, contact us today at  (413) 343-4357.

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