About
Jaclyn Zeal
Relational therapy grounded in real life experience
Hello! I'm Jaclyn Zeal, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I came to this work after nearly a decade in the corporate world—and through my own healing journey, life experience, and training, I've learned what it really takes to help people transform their relationships and come home to themselves.
My Approach
I believe therapy should meet you where you are—not where you think you "should" be. My work is grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, and a systems perspective that looks at how your relationships, experiences, and nervous system all shape your mental health.
Instead of just talking about problems, we'll work together to understand the patterns that keep you stuck and build new ways of relating—to yourself, your partner, and the people you love.
How I Work With Clients
I stay present and curious — Your story deserves to be heard without judgment.
I value authenticity — Even when it's uncomfortable, honesty is where real change happens.
I'll challenge you with kindness — Growth requires courage, and I'll be there to support you through it.
You stay in control — This is your process. I'm here to guide, not dictate.
I'm committed to ongoing growth — I continue learning, training, and doing my own work so I can show up fully for you.
Training & Experience
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Private Practice
2024 - Present | Pennsylvania License #MF001627
Marriage & Family Therapist | Sacred & Free Psychotherapy & Wellness
2022 - 2024
Gained comprehensive experience serving individuals, couples, and families under expert supervision
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern | Council for Relationships
2020 - 2022
Career Highlights
2,000+ face-to-face clinical hours
Co-led workshop on Embodied Motherhood with Elizabeth Capps at Adaptive Healing (2024)
Co-led workshop on meditation and intuition with Dan Appel at The Royal (2023)
Graduated with honors and received an award for research on applying Emotionally Focused Therapy to couples with mismatched libidos
Education
Master of Family Therapy | Thomas Jefferson University
Specialized training in sex therapy and couples work
BA in English & Professional Writing | Kutztown University
Focus on communication, language, and storytelling
Therapeutic Approaches
I draw from multiple evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to your unique needs:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Attachment Theory
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS/Parts Work)
Narrative Therapy
Bowen Family Systems Theory
Relational Life Therapy
My Story
I've always been fascinated by relationships and what makes them work—or fall apart. But I also know firsthand that real relationships are messy, complicated, and rarely look like the love stories we're sold.
I was raised in a religious environment that shaped nearly everything about how I viewed myself, other people, and what my life "should" look like. In my late teens, I started questioning those beliefs, and spent more than a decade exploring philosophy, spirituality, and what actually gave my life meaning.
That journey wasn't easy. I've navigated family relationships after leaving a shared belief system. I've been divorced and remarried. I've experienced deep grief and loss. I've had to start over more than once.
Through all of it, I learned that being present in my body—not just my thoughts—was one of the most powerful tools for healing. It helped me find relief from anxiety, develop real self-awareness, and build the kind of relationships I actually wanted.
Today, I'm genuinely proud of the life I've built—my marriage, my relationships with family and friends, and my connection with my toddler son. I continue doing my own work because I believe therapists should practice what they preach.
It's from this place—having done the hard work myself and committed to continuing it—that I feel truly equipped to help others do the same.
On the blog
