Inspiring Conversations with Jacqueline Huffaker of Curated Counseling, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Huffaker.

Hi Jacqueline, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always the friend or family member people went to for emotional support or advice. I never had big aspirations to be a therapist, but I did know that I wanted to work in a helping profession. Following high school, I went on to attend the University of Tennessee where I received my undergraduate degree in Audiology and Speech-Pathology. My original goal was to work with children who needed cochlear implants. After graduation I moved back to my hometown of Cookeville, TN, where I worked in the school system as a Speech and Language Teacher. In order to be a certified SLP, I knew I would eventually need to return to school for a masters degree. However, my time in the school system sparked a new professional interest of psychology. I noticed so many children and families were in need of emotional and behavioral support. This lead to me pursue my graduate degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Lipscomb University. I dove in head first into the psychology field and never looked back! Over the last 15 years I have worked in hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, the State of TN, group practice and finally, my own private practice. Working in multiple high-intense settings for the first then years of my career sharpened my clinical skills in a way that I am very grateful for. Had it not been for this intense work, I do not think I would have had the experience or clinical prowess that is necessary in building a thriving private practice. I am very grateful to now own and operate my therapy practice in Franklin, TN, where I see adults, couples and families.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes and no. I want to acknowledge that, as a white, upper-middle class woman, I did not face nearly as many obstacles as some of my peers from marginalized communities. And at the same time, that is not to say that my path didn’t have significant challenges, because it certainly did. I can remember being in graduate school full time, while also having to work to make ends meet. It is stressful to be a broke college student, while also studying non-stop. Most people probably don’t realize that following graduating with a clinical/counseling degree, that there is still a very lengthy process to become licensed. This takes anywhere from 2-5 years. During this period your work options are very limited, pay next to nothing and are often extremely difficult. I was working with children who had been abused and neglected; and sadly, there are very little supports for children living below the poverty line. It was quite difficult as a new therapist to learn how to not take my work home with me, and to protect myself emotionally. As the years went on, I eventually became a Clinical Coordinator for a non-profit agency that worked with sex offenders who were deemed not competent to stand trial, and thus lived in the community with the agency support. I oversaw staff, provided training, individual and group therapy, and conducted psychosexual evaluations. The amount of stress I held while trying to serve this population and keep the community safe was immense. It is some of the most rewarding work I have done, but not without its challenges.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Curated Counseling is located in the CoolSprings area of Franklin, TN. I share the office space with two other therapists who are also dear friends of mine. They are both powerhouses in their own right, and it is such a privilege to work alongside these amazing women. While I used to see children in the earlier part of my career, I now only work with adults, couples and families. While I am adept in treating most psychological disorders, my niche area of expertise is working with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. I specialize in a type of modality called Dialectical Behavior Therapy. To be a true DBT therapist is almost like a whole other certification because it is very specific and intense. I no longer offer what is called, “adherent DBT” due to the intensity, but still operate from a strong DBT informed approach. I fully believe DBT is what has set me apart from other clinicians; in particular because DBT is so extremely effective. DBT also has a different approach than other therapeutic modalities in that it requires the therapist to be more personable and not as cold as some other methods. I have found that the ability to be relatable as a person while still maintaining professional boundaries, is key to a successful therapeutic relationship.

Brand wise, perhaps I am most proud of being known for my authenticity, warmth, knowledge and ability to achieve results. My success rate has lead me to work with musicians, artists, executives and other high achievers.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The answer to both of these questions is the same- the growth! On one hand, I love all the restaurants, shows, events, shops and opportunity that the growth of Nashville has provided. Yet, on the other hand I very much dislike how crowded the city has become. It has lost a lot of its small, artsy charm that it had 10+ years ago.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.curatedcounseling.com