HERE IS MY STORY

 

What's in a name?

Jackie's Hope Therapy, PLLC was established in 2023. It is named for my mother, Jacquelyn Jamison-Ward who we suddenly lost in January 2020. She left a legacy of wisdom, meekness, strength, poise and especially, hope and peace. It gives me great joy to honor her memory in this way. Notice our logo. I am so proud to display the dove which is a symbol of hope and the olive branch, a symbol of peace.

I am especially grateful that Jackie and my father, Donald Ward, instilled a drive and passion that cannot be extinguished. My daddy, a minister of God's word taught and modeled the importance of having authentic relationship with God while my mama taught and modeled how to love sacrificially and selflessly. 

My Work Experience

I graduated from West Memphis High School, then attended Arkansas State University for a few years when life happened. First came baby, then came marriage and another baby. I worked odd jobs, then became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), in 1998 primarily working in OG/BYN clinics in Memphis, TN. After working as a nurse for fifteen years, my two children and I moved to Jonesboro, AR where I completed my Bachelor's of Social Work in 2010 and Master's of Social Work in 2012 at Arkansas State University.  I worked as a Family Service Worker at the Department of Children and Family Services. After completing my master's degree, I worked at Arkansas State University for five years as a Field Trainer and Adjunct Instructor. I felt led to make a career move and began to work as a psychotherapist in 2016. I absolutely love the work I do.

My Therapy Style

While skill and expertise are key elements  to rendering good service, it is equally as important to have compassion, empathy, warmth and genuine care and concern for my clients. It is my goal to listen actively, plan with clients intentionally, and expect growth and healing inevitably. It is Jackie's Hope's mission to provide a curated plan of treatment with attention to the specific and varied mental health needs of each of client. I walk along side my clients and foster hope. I also encourage and empower my clients along their mental health and wellness journey. Lastly, I take great care in the assessment, intervention, and ongoing care of my clients.  I have seen the most success in work with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, conflict resolution, and change over the life span.  I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)  and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).  In addition, I find that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy interventions are also quite effective. 

Lovin' Life

In my down time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my "Sweet Love", grandchild. I take great pleasure in attending church and I simply adore my church family.  I really like watching historical documentaries and biographies about African Americans- the well known and the unsung.  Listening to music is another one of my favorite pass times. I enjoy traditional and some contemporary gospel/Christian music. I also enjoy 80's and 90's hip-hop and R&B and I love to dance.  I have recently started listening to jazz that has a strong trumpet emphasis. I love, love, love crafting, watching good movies, shopping and EATING!!! 

What keeps me grounded is striving toward righteous living and loving well. 

 

 

Kenya Ward, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW), LPN