Meet Jacalyn Clark
It’s time to stop reading your story and start writing it.
Therapist in Southport, CT
A lot of people come to therapy after years of telling themselves, “This is just a hard season,” only to realize the season never really ended.
Somewhere along the way, survival mode became your normal. You became good at functioning, consistently showing up, and of course, making sure everything else in your life goes off without a hitch. In the meantime, your relationships have started to fray, your inner dialogue has become brutal, and you admittedly can’t remember the last time life actually felt good instead of just manageable.
THE WAY I WORK
What happened to me is part of my story. What I do next is the story.
I’m the therapist I wish I had—deeply compassionate, direct when needed, and not afraid to tell the truth when something isn’t working. I’ve walked through my own seasons of feeling disconnected from myself and the life I wanted, which is exactly why I created this practice and The Barn at Southport Hills. I wanted somewhere people could feel comfortable enough to stop performing, stop pretending they’re “fine,” and finally get honest about what they need, what they want, and what’s getting in their way.
I’m also not here to waste your time. None of what we do here is for the “sake of it” or to check things off a list.
We strive for the deeper goals and the more powerful shifts—identifying patterns, building relationships, having the conversations you’ve been avoiding, and creating a pathway for you to feel stronger, more connected, and more like you.
If you're not willing to hold up the mirror and take an honest look at what's not working, I'm truly not the therapist for you! Real growth requires commitment, accountability, and effort both in and between sessions. I will challenge you, support you, and show up fully in this process—and I expect the same level of commitment from you. Together, we do the work that creates lasting change.
What if it all works out?
This is a different kind of therapy experience.
The Barn at Southport Hills feels much less like an office and more like a retreat from the noise of everyday life—that’s intentional. It’s warm, welcoming, and deeply personal because I believe that the environment in which we do the work is an important part of the healing process.
I created this unique place for you—to step away from the responsibilities, expectations, and demands pulling at you so you can finally focus on yourself for a change.
Life moves in the direction of your strongest thought.
(If you spend enough time with me, you'll probably hear me say this more than once.)
It's a principle I come back to often—not because positive thinking solves everything, but because where we place our attention matters.
That's why gratitude is such a big part of my life and the work I do with clients. I often encourage people to write down three things they're thankful for every day without repeating themselves. It sounds simple, but it's a powerful exercise in slowing down, paying attention, and being more intentional about where you place your focus.
Over time, something shifts. You start noticing the good conversation, the quiet moments, the answered prayer, the friend who checked in, or the beauty that's been there all along. Because what you look for, you'll find—and that principle has the power to change the way you experience your life. I know this because I’ve seen it change the lives of so many of my clients.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY BACKGROUND
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over two decades as a journalist and news anchor, where I learned how to listen carefully, ask better questions, and help people put words to experiences that are often difficult to explain.
That ability to truly hear people—not just to what they’re saying, but what’s happening underneath—continues to shape the way I work and show up with my clients today.
My approach blends emotional depth with honest conversation, practical direction, and meaningful accountability. I’m not interested in anything “surface-level” or endless sessions that go nowhere. I want you to leave therapy stronger, more self-aware, and more connected to yourself, your relationships, and the life you want to build. Additionally, as a lifelong practicing Christian, my faith reminds me that some of life's deepest truths can't always be seen, and that perspective shapes the way I hold space for my clients.
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Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism — Quinnipiac University
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
National News Anchor & Journalist
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) informed approach for couples work
Integrates CBT, narrative therapy, and actionable goal-setting into the therapy process
Yes, the healing can be hard work, but so is staying stuck. What’s your other option? Let’s get started.
In-person sessions available at The Barn at Southport Hills or online throughout CT.