Jacqueline is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who uses her own individual model of equine assisted psychotherapy called The Icarus Model™. She currently conducts research with colleagues to show the effectiveness of equine-assisted psychotherapy to improve her practice model. She specializes in sensory processing, ADHD, Autism and Anxiety in children and young adults. She practices neurodiverse affirmative therapy.

Jacqui has earned certifications in personal training (2020), clinical hypnosis (2018), yoga (2024), Reiki (2020), somatic experiencing (2024), Equid Nexus IFS equine engaged parts work (2023 & 2024), Equine body work through Elemental Acupressure (2019), and EAGALA (2011). She has attended training with the legendary Linda Kohanov (2009 & 2023). Lastly, she earned a certificate in equine behavior from The University of Denver in 2024.

Jacqui developed a passion for working with children at a young age. She worked with Autistic children in the North Carolina school system where she helped to design a program for them so they could be integrated with general ed classes. Her dream was to incorporate children with animals as a way to heal from mental illness and life stressors. She is a passionate individual who will go above and beyond for her clients.

Jacqui has been counseling children and young adults since 2011 in Arizona, and has been working with horses since 1999. She started out riding for pleasure and then turned it into a career through offering riding lessons and horse training. Jacqui has been a member of several animal rescues since 2004 and has been studying animal behavior since she was in high school. Jacqui was initially trained in EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and has attended some Eponaquest workshops. Recently trained in the Equid Nexus model which pairs horses with Internal Family Systems.

She is a board approved licensed clinical supervisor who runs an East Valley Mental Health group for professionals. She was also the head social worker at the largest freestanding inpatient psychiatric facility. She is an empath which helps her to understand her clients a bit faster and really help them progress in a way that fits them best. She has a passion for treating people who have physical limitations due to medical conditions as she herself has EDS (Ehler Danlos Syndrome) which has impacted her ability to train and ride horses as often as she would like. She has overcome much of her limited mobility by utilizing positive psychology, daily yoga and homeopathic remedies. She is a fighter and refused to let this diagnosis ruin her passion to be active both riding horses, swimming and hiking. This has pushed her to be an even stronger therapist and advocate for her clients who have been given undesirable labels.

This state-of-the-art facility is located in a private setting which includes 8-9 ft high block fencing all around to ensure as much confidentiality as possible when working outside with the animals. There is also a coded gate to ensure the property is secure and there are no unauthorized visitors. Jacqui personally designed the barn and arena to fit the needs of the horses and clients so they can be comfortable in all weather conditions. There is an air-conditioned office and clean bathroom on site.

She sees healing as a holistic process which is why she consults with a team of naturopathic doctors, psychiatrists and personal trainers who are available for consults. She is trained in CMHIMP which integrates natural remedies and nutrition in treatment to achieve the desired results. Treating the entire body and ensuring everything is in balance is imperative to healing psychologically. Bemer (PEMF) therapy is also used in sessions for no additional cost. This therapy is used all over the world to promote stress relief, anxiety reduction, cellular detox and improved sleep. Some techniques Jacqui uses are clinical hypnosis, play therapy, eco therapy, art therapy and mindfulness.

Here at Skye Therapy we have a parenting program consisting of meeting with the child/teen alone for 3 sessions with the 4th session being with the parents alone. This model of therapy has the fastest outcome because we partner with your parenting style to improve your child’s behaviors and reduce symptoms. We also suggest proven parenting books that are easy to follow and provide real life examples. Jacqui ensures the family is involved in every step and stays in close contact via email in between sessions.

Licensure: I am licensed by the Board of Behavioral Health in the state of Arizona LPC-15857. Please feel free to verify my license through Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examimers

Interview: CanvasRebel – Meet Jacqui Lauko

Interview: Voyage Phoenix Internview

Interview: Bold Journey