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

Hi Jacqueline, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Around age 12, I shared with one of my parents that I wanted to be a Social Worker. I don’t believe that I actually knew the role of a Social Worker at that age, however, I love that I had some form of inner wisdom even as a child that being a clinician was truly my life’s work. I recall being sensitive as a child and acutely attuned to other’s emotions. I also loved volunteering and knowing other people’s stories; little did I know that these would be key ingredients in the formation of my professional identity. Fast forward to late high school/early college, I struggled with my own mental health hurdles. As a student, I felt passionate about the field of psychology and sought after a path that would allow me to provide individual counseling to individuals. Due to the acuity of my mental health symptoms, pursuing a PhD was too large of an undertaking, so I pivoted to the field of Social Work (a full circle moment for my 12-year-old self). I graduated undergrad with a double major in Psychology and Social Work and completed my Masters in Social Work at Fordham University. I went on to work in the hospital setting, working with acute pathology in the inpatient psychiatric setting. I opened my private practice in 2014 and have loved every moment of treating my clients. I specialize in trauma and work with clients to reconstitute their nervous system after life altering events. My favorite age group is teens and emerging adults – in ways it has been healing for me to work with this demographic since this was a chapter in my life when I was struggling. In 2020, I went back to school and proudly completed my Doctorate degree in Social Work through Rutgers University.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I internally chuckled when I heard this. No path is smooth. Life is not easy for any of us – that is part of being human. However, my road has been and continues to be incredibly worth it. I wake up feeling lucky to be present and a part of the lives of so many. When I say that, I do not just mean the lives of my clients, but also the lives of my employees. Many of them are newer clinicians, many of them are seasoned clinicians. We have a wonderful group at The Therapy Institute and it really is a joy to be a part of a team that is passionate and committed to the lives and well-being of others. Getting back to the original question! Some of the bumps/learning opportunities along the way have been: being more business savvy, ensuring that employees hold the same goals and values as the group practice, and making sure that I have my personal and professional boundaries intact.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a clinician, psychotherapist, trauma specialist, researcher, and supervisor. I wear many hats! One of the roles that I am most proud of, is my identity as a trauma specialist. I have been a clinician for over 15 years and really honed my skills in this area of mental health treatment and care. Since my undergraduate and graduate programs did not provide enough trauma education, I made it my professional quest to better understand what happens to our nervous system during and after a life altering, traumatic events. I leaned on the brilliant work of Francine Shapiro, Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, and Deb Dana to inform my practice and care. The more I studied, the more I learned about myself, my own healing journey, and the healing journey of those I work with. This professional path has fundamentally changed how I approach and practice mental health care, how I live my life, and how I supervise budding clinicians. I believe that my understanding of trauma and the role the nervous system plays in our overall wellbeing sets me a part as a clinician.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
All of my clients deserve praise – they are who make my professional world feel special and sacred. They are also one of the driving forces behind my passion to learn more, better myself, and ensure that my clinical tool kit remains current, evidence-based, and effective. I also would never be able to hold my life together without the love and support of my husband, AJ. He is calm, grounded, supportive, and loving. We have built a beautiful life together and it is a joy to wake up to him and end my day with him. I would not be able to be good at my job without his sound sense of support at home.
My pups, Faye and Mia! They are the best and bring such happiness to my life – they are very regulating for my nervous system.
My sisters Rebecca & Margeau: for simply being a part of the journey.
My friends, fellow clinicians, and colleagues: My life is much more full because you all are in it.
My teachers and mentors: Rachel Kammer and Dan Pitzer from Fordham University – you both were formative in my early academic years, and I still look up to you both professionally. Dr. E, Dr. K, Dr. LaSala, Dr. Alessi, Dr. Gatten, Matthew Broderick, Abdul Ali & Doug Behan from Rutgers University- ya’ll are brilliant and I would never been able to complete my doctorate degree without all of your support. My supervisor Victoria Britt and the whole Somatic Experiencing Community and Cohort in NYC!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacquelinesobotilcsw.com
• Instagram: https://www.polyvagaltheoryinpractice.com
• Facebook: https://thetherapyinstitutenj.com
• Twitter: @dr.jacqueline_soboti (instagram)
• Youtube: @thetherapyinstitutenj (instagram)

Image Credits
Matt Kirchhof and The Deerwood Company