What makes relational therapy different?
Jaclyn Zeal is a licensed marriage & family therapist located in the Phoenixville area of Chester County, PA
Friend, despite trying really hard at my relationships — I struggled for a long time. I was prone to conflict-avoidance, self-abandonment, and codependency. In fact, I didn’t even realize all this was happening until I landed on the other side of divorce.
When faced with starting over — I realized I had to heal the relationship with myself. And I no longer had any excuses! It wasn’t easy, but I gradually developed trust and safety with myself, and I could finally experience attunement with my own inner world.
I work with couples, women & mamas — and it’s my goal to help clients find their way to more secure, trusting, and joyful relationships.
My core values as a therapist
Maintain presence & curiosity
Integrity — anchored in what is honest & authentic, even when it’s uncomfortable
Courage to dig deeper & challenge with kindness
Radical consent — clients stay empowered in the relationship
Committed to my own growth & learning
My training & credentials
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Pennsylvania | License number: MF001627
Prior to opening my own solo practice in Royersford, PA, I worked at the group practice Sacred & Free in Collegeville, PA.
Therapy Modalities:
In the therapy field, there are countless theories that act as guideposts for working with clients.
I take an eclectic approach, and am guided by Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, Bowen Family Systems Theory, Gottman Couples Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Parts Work (IFS), Person-Centered Therapy … and a sprinkling of some others.
Master of Family Therapy | Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA
While earning my degree, I received specialized training in sex therapy, aimed at helping couples navigate a variety of sexual challenges to create deeper intimacy.
Awarded Honors for Master’s Project on the application of Emotionally Focused Therapy for treating mismatched libidos
Received a 4.0 gpa in every semester of the program
My story
Every therapist brings their own world view into the therapy room. That’s why it can be helpful to know the person behind the psychotherapy degree.
I come to this work after a decade in the corporate world. I was raised in a religious environment that I left behind and have discovered a spiritual practices instead. I found my way into therapy on the cusp of divorce, and realized just how life-changing good therapy can be. I spent four years living on the west coast. I am on my second marriage, and I’m grateful to have met my husband after gaining so many valuable relationship skills. I’m also a new mama to an adorable little boy.
In my free time, I love exploring nature trails with my son and my spunky dog Ignatheo, sipping on lavender matcha lattes, making playlists, and enjoying my many creative hobbies.
Ready to get started?
I am too! I am ready to hear where you’ve been and where you’d like to go — with tenderness and open-heartedness. I consider myself your co-pilot to help you understand yourself more fully.