Jacqueline Zeankowski, LCAT (She/Her)

My name is Jacqueline Zeankowski (she/her), and I was born and raised in Hicksville, New York. I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in the State of New York. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Art Therapy from Long Island University – Post, followed by a Master's degree in Creative Arts Therapy and Counseling from Hofstra University.

From a young age, I knew I wanted a career in art, as it served as a means of communication when words were insufficient. As I grew older, I recognized my desire to help others and to introduce art as a healing mechanism, just as it had once helped me in my own journey of personal growth and healing. This realization led me to discover Art Therapy, and I devoted several years to pursuing my goal of becoming an Art Therapist.

During my undergraduate studies, I interned at an Adult Day Care Center, where I gained valuable experience working with adults with dementia, Alzheimer's, and various physical ailments. I also began my passion for working with psychiatric patients within a psychiatric unit. 

During my graduate studies, I worked in Self-Direction, providing one-on-one services with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder who needed to learn verbal and social skills. I completed my first and second internships with a Personal Recovery Oriented Services Program. In this role, I provided services to individuals with severe mental illnesses, including teaching psychoeducational classes, leading Art Therapy groups, and offering outreach services in the community. Through this program, I worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, and ADHD.

I practice Art Therapy using an eclectic approach, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques. I create a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings through creative expression. I believe that art therapy can be a pathway to self-discovery and a means to connect with one's most authentic self. Additionally, I approach my work through a trauma-informed lens to better understand our responses and behaviors in various situations. Through this approach, I believe clients can begin to develop the necessary coping skills to blossom, flourish, and engage more fully with the world around them with greater resilience. 

Let's begin your journey here toward blossoming.