Ms Jacqui Hackett

Psychiatric Nurse

Verified

“I am a counsellor, life coach, registered nurse and Licensed Sensory Intelligence® Practitioner offering warm, practical and neuroaffirming support to individuals, couples and families. I help clients navigate relationships, anxiety, burnout, neurodivergence and life transitions while developing greater self-understanding, emotional wellbeing and healthier connections.”

About Me

I am a counsellor, life coach, registered nurse and Licensed Sensory Intelligence® Practitioner with a genuine passion for helping people understand themselves and one another more deeply. My professional training, combined with my own life experiences have shaped the compassionate, realistic and deeply human way in which I work. I understand that people are complex and that emotional wellbeing is influenced by relationships, family dynamics, physical health, sensory needs, past experiences and the environments in which we live and work. I therefore look beyond symptoms and behaviours to understand the whole person and what may be happening beneath the surface. I bring warmth, compassion, humour and honesty into my sessions, creating a space where clients can feel accepted without judgement. I value the individuality, strengths and personal story of every person who enters my practice. I believe that meaningful change begins when we feel safe enough to understand ourselves with greater curiosity and compassion. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they develop deeper self-awareness, strengthen their relationships and create lives that feel more authentic, balanced and fulfilling.

Approach

My approach is integrative, neuroaffirming and tailored to each person, couple or family. I draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, Attachment Theory, CBT, solution-focused techniques and trauma-informed practice. As a Licensed Sensory Intelligence® Practitioner, I also help clients understand how their unique sensory preferences influence their emotions, relationships, energy, work and everyday wellbeing. I combine thoughtful emotional exploration with practical strategies that can be applied in daily life. Rather than trying to “fix” people, I help clients understand themselves, recognise their strengths and identify what they need to function well. Together, we develop a way forward that feels authentic, manageable and sustainable.

Contact Jacqui

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Cape Town, South Africa

In-person & Online

Services

I provide counselling and coaching for individuals, couples, parents, families, teenagers and young adults. I support clients experiencing relationship difficulties, anxiety, low mood, burnout, codependency, family challenges, trauma, life transitions and workplace stress. I have a special interest in ADHD, autism, sensory processing and the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and families. Couples counselling focuses on communication, recurring conflict, emotional connection, trust, boundaries and relationship repair. I also offer neuroaffirming parenting support to help families understand behaviour, reduce conflict and strengthen connection. My Sensory Matrix™ service provides an in-depth assessment of your sensory identity, followed by personalised feedback and practical recommendations for improving wellbeing, relationships and functioning at home and work. Sessions are available from my private practice in Kirstenhof, Cape Town, and online.

Services Offered:

Coaching
A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.
Counseling
A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.
Learn more about Counseling
Crisis Counseling
Immediate, short-term psychological support during an acute mental health crisis such as a panic episode, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming distress.
Divorce Counseling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counseling

Works With:

Adolescents
Adults
Couples
Families
Individuals
Groups
Organisations
Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

ADHD / Attention
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about ADHD / Attention
Autism (ASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.
Stress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / Burnout
Divorce Counseling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Codependency
A relational pattern in which a person's sense of identity and self-worth becomes excessively tied to caring for or controlling another person, often at their own expense.
Relationship Issues
Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.
Learn more about Relationship Issues
Chronic Illness
A long-term health condition (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disease, chronic pain) that persists over time and affects physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Learn more about Chronic Illness
Life Transitions
Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.
Learn more about Life Transitions
Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

Psychiatric Nurse
A nurse specialising in psychiatric care, providing assessment, therapeutic support, and medication management for mental health conditions.