About
About Jackeline Goncalves
Hello, I’m Jackeline Goncalves, a bilingual Cape Verdean Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), proudly serving clients in both Massachusetts and Florida. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Child & Adolescent Mental Health, and Family Trauma.
I am also a SAP-certified clinician, providing Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services for individuals regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). As a SAP, I conduct comprehensive evaluations, individualized counseling, and education to support clients in meeting DOT standards. My goal is to guide each person through a clear, supportive process that promotes accountability, recovery, and personal growth while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
In addition to my SAP work, I provide immigration psychological evaluations for individuals and families navigating the legal immigration process, including VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, Asylum, and Extreme Hardship Waivers. These assessments are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and designed to help clients tell their stories with compassion and clarity.
I also facilitate court-approved anger management classes focused on emotional regulation, stress management, and healthy communication, helping individuals build awareness, accountability, and long-term coping skills.
My journey as a helper began early in life. As a first-generation American, I often served as a translator and advocate for my family, helping them navigate complex systems. Those experiences inspired my lifelong passion for healing, advocacy, and empowerment—especially for communities that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Alongside my clinical and SAP work, my deepest passion lies in providing therapy for men and young men impacted by street culture, community violence, and survival trauma. Having personally experienced the pain of losing loved ones to street violence, I understand what it means to carry unspoken grief, anger, and the pressure to “stay strong” while navigating life in survival mode.
Through my work, I hope to be part of a movement that helps men break cycles of trauma and survival, rebuild trust in themselves and others, and create peace in spaces where it once felt impossible. My approach is grounded in authenticity, compassion, and real-life understanding.
At Healing Body and Mind Therapy, LLC, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for children, adolescents, and adults to explore their experiences, learn coping tools, and reconnect with their strengths. I understand that seeking help can feel intimidating—but I’ve seen firsthand how therapy can lead to powerful growth, resilience, and healing. It’s an honor to walk beside each of my clients as they move toward emotional wellness and transformation.
My Therapeutic Approach
In my practice, I use a variety of evidence-based therapy methods, each designed to meet your unique needs. These approaches are integrated into our work together, and I believe they can empower you to overcome obstacles, find healing, and achieve personal growth. Below are the key methods I use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective therapies I use to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts. These negative thought patterns often lead to anxiety, depression, and stress, and by changing them, we can change the way we feel and respond to the world. How it works: In CBT, we’ll work together to identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more balanced thoughts. Through journaling exercises, thought-stopping techniques, and cognitive restructuring, we will shift the way you think and behave. The benefit: CBT empowers you to take control of your thoughts, leading to a positive change in your emotions and actions. It's incredibly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress management.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a specialized form of therapy that combines mindfulness with emotion regulation techniques. It is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with intense emotions and interpersonal conflicts. How it works: In DBT, we focus on building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These tools help you manage your emotions and reactions, so you can engage more fully in life. The benefit: DBT is especially helpful for managing self-destructive behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and relationship difficulties. By learning to manage overwhelming emotions and build healthier relationships, DBT helps you develop a more balanced, stable sense of self.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy helps you stay grounded in the present moment. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, which allows you to gain better control over your reactions and emotions. How it works: We will practice breathing exercises, guided meditations, and body scans to help you develop awareness of your thoughts and emotions. The focus is on learning to be present and accepting, without judgment. The benefit: Mindfulness helps reduce stress, manage anxiety, and improve overall emotional regulation. It allows you to become more aware of how you feel in each moment, giving you the power to change your responses and manage overwhelming emotions.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care recognizes that trauma impacts every aspect of a person’s life. This approach focuses on creating a safe, empowering space for you to process and heal from past experiences, without judgment. How it works: In trauma-informed therapy, we work at your pace, ensuring that you feel supported and safe in every session. The focus is on empowerment, allowing you to regain control over your life and your healing process. The benefit: Trauma-informed care helps you feel safe, heard, and valued. It empowers you to explore past trauma in a compassionate space and heal in a way that aligns with your unique needs.
How These Methods Help You
These therapy approaches are designed to give you the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges. Whether you're working through anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, I tailor our sessions to ensure that the right approach is used to support your healing journey.
I am here to guide you through the therapeutic process in a way that feels comfortable, compassionate, and empowering. Together, we’ll work to transform your thoughts, manage your emotions, and heal from the past so that you can live a fulfilling and balanced life.
What makes these methods so effective is that they are scientifically supported and tailored to help real people in everyday life. Whether you’re facing stressful work situations, relationship challenges, or deep-rooted trauma, these approaches give you practical, actionable tools to navigate and take control of your life.
Download My Digital Guide: My Journey to Starting a Private Practice
Starting my private practice was a dream come true, but the journey wasn’t without its challenges. I spent countless hours researching and often felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the process.
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was navigating the application steps, realizing I needed to start one application first before others. This frustrating experience inspired me to create a comprehensive guide to help others avoid the same pitfalls.
My guide simplifies the process by providing a clear, step-by-step roadmap. It includes practical tips, essential checklists, and insider knowledge to save you time and stress. With this guide, you can focus on your passion for helping others, rather than getting lost in bureaucracy.
Get Started Today
If you feel ready to start your journey toward healing or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you take the next step.