Jill Jackson, BS

social work Practicum student

Ann Arbor & Virtual

Hello, my name is Jill Jackson!

I am a Master of Social Work student at the University of Michigan, specializing in Children, Youth, and Families. I am doing my program-long internship with Mala Child & Family Institute to gain training and experience working clinically with all populations.

Prior to starting at Mala, I have three years of experience working with children and families through the lens or neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed care. This includes: emotional regulation, coping skills, transitions, toileting, and goal setting. In previous positions I have practiced collaboration with parents and provided neurodivergent-friendly parenting strategies. Additionally, I have mental health crisis training and experience.

My goal at Mala is to make every family feel accepted and safe to utilize this relationship in the ways most specific to their needs. I take a client-centered approach and use a strengths-based perspective to provide the most individualized care possible. I encourage flexibility and can incorporate different variations of play, art, talk, and sensory into the therapy setting. I value offering trust, understanding, and safety in my client relationships, and will always prioritize growth and connection in this role. If you are looking for a space that embraces individuality, empathy, and healing, I would be more than happy to work with you or your child!

    • Master of Social Work, University of Michigan, Anticipated 2026

    • Bachelor of Social Work, Saginaw Valley State University, 2025

    • ADHD, Autism, & AuDHD

    • Adoption

    • Depression

    • Domestic Abuse & Violence

    • Executive Functioning

    • Identity Development

    • Learning Differences & Academic Challenges

    • Life Transitions

    • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

    • Self-Esteem

    • Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm

    • Toileting Issues

    • Trauma & PTSD

    • Behavioral Therapy For Toileting, Sleep, & Daily Living Tasks

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Family Systems

    • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

    • Parent Coaching

    • Play Therapy

    • Psychodynamic

  • Individuals, families, & groups

    Children (4-10), Preteens, Teens, & Adults

  • Traditional Medicaid, or reduced out-of-pocket fee ($50/session)

Get to know Jill

  • I love working with others and growing trusting and meaningful relationships. I appreciate connection, and value being able to apply empathy in an appropriate and effective way to those with various experiences. I have a passion for service, equitable treatment, and mental health. Being in this profession provides the opportunity apply my passions for others in a relevant way.

  • I love animals! I have two cats, named Winston and Beemo, two snails, named Sawdust and Bowie, and one leopard gecko, named Edo. To relax, I enjoy nature, reading, and comedy movies!