Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Janicki.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always knew I was really sensitive and really enjoyed helping others. I knew that I wanted to help people for a living, and for a long time I was convinced I was destined to be a doctor or a nurse. I grew up with two chronically ill parents; my mom with MS and my dad with a ALS/CIDP hybrid diagnosis of sorts. I grew up very quickly and knew how to deescalate and remain resilient through it all. Having two sick parents made me feel that I was “supposed” to work in medicine and the pressure I felt to commit to those programs was astounding. I felt like a failure. I dropped out of college twice and had the crisis of “what the hell am I doing with my life?” I spent a lot of time in therapy and in group settings discussing this and how I still wanted to help others. The therapist at the time suggested I explore what it may be like to work in an inpatient psychiatric facility and I hit the ground running. It was my first psych job 10 years ago and the people I met, the psychologists who I still consider mentors, are so important to me. It is what led me to wanting to become a counselor. I finished up my Bachelor’s in Psychology online through Penn State and two weeks later, started my Master’s degree at Arcadia University. I graduated from Arcadia in May of 2021 and have worked in private practice for most of my counseling career. I have also co-founded a nonprofit, True Colors Collective PA, and started my own private practice in June of 2024, Janicki Holistic Healing.
How I got here was through a lot of strength, perseverance, and spite honestly. There were many times where I wanted to “give up” as a result of many different circumstances, and I’m so glad I didn’t. I sought out a lot of support, and did what David Kessler advises those who are grieving to do: find meaning after the loss. I did just that, and started launching support groups at my full time job at Better Minds Counseling & Services. It has been such a blessing to watch a community grow and heal together through connection and shared experience. Today, I have a mostly full caseload with clients who I’ve been seeing for years – it’s an incredible feeling to watch someone grow over such a long period of time. It’s my favorite part of my job.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road made me laugh! I think there have been moments where things have felt chaotic and “bumpy”, per se. I’ve struggled with some leadership in the past, causing me a lot of stress and second-guessing my “place” in this field of counseling. I’ve been smear campaigned, I’ve had some of the nastiest things said about me while working in this field. Going through it was horrifying. Being on the other side of it, I have a greater appreciation for myself, how firm I stood in my boundaries and authenticity, and walking away from the things that were no longer serving me or keeping me stuck. As we all know, life can be life-y, so managing life transitions on top of navigating working full time has been a struggle. Being a chronically ill, queer professional also has some challenges of it’s own, but I find that holding space for others brings me to a place of healing as well. All of the struggles led me to be my most authentic self, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. I’d do it all again if it meant landing me here.
We’ve been impressed with Janicki Holistic Healing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder and solo-practitioner at Janicki Holistic Healing, LLC. My hope is to have the practice grow in the future when I am eligible to become a supervisor (May of 2026, but who’s counting?). I specialize in narcissistic abuse, LGBTQIA+ folx, ADHD/neurodivergence, and chronic pain/chronic illness. I would say I am most known for the work I do with the queer community, as well as the vast knowledge I have about narcissistic abuse through my certification training. I offer coaching for those struggling to find their path, navigating narcissism, or other big life transitions. I am the most proud of my brand because this has been a dream of mine since I started schooling again back in 2016. The name has always been locked in, the concept has always been there, and it truly has been a dream come true to make all of these things happen.
At Janicki Holistic Healing, I offer individual and couples therapy, 1:1 coaching, and plan on starting some support groups in the future.
At True Colors Collective PA, we offer free peer support groups for LGBTQIA+ folx in the Bucks/MontCo area and beyond. The groups we currently have offered are: Beyond the Binary, Neuroqueer, Queer Haven, and Queer Chronic Pain/Illness groups. All that is required to join is registration on our website. This is strictly volunteer based, with each member of the board volunteering their time and dedication to this collective we are creating. It has been such an honor to hold space for queer people across the country right now, some even attend from other countries! We also offer in-person activity nights in Lansdale, PA.
At Better Minds Counseling & Services, I am the practice’s Group Therapy Lead (or GTL) and Adult ADHD Screening & Evaluation Provider. I provide individual therapy, couples therapy, targeted adult ADHD assessments, and group therapy. The groups I run focus on narcissistic abuse, chronic pain and illness, and queer neurodiversity. I am so proud of the spaces I have created for my clients at Better Minds.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I am a die-hard Philadelphia forever type of person. While I don’t currently live in Philly, I was raised half of the time in Castor Gardens and Fox Chase, which were such sacred and safe spaces for me growing up. What I love about Philly is the passion, the attitude, the fast-paced environment, and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. Philly embraces all walks of life and I feel grateful to have roots there. Also, I’m obsessed with Philly Football – GO BIRDS!
In regard to dislikes…. they are mainly suburbia related qualms. The neighborhood I grew up in is pretty narrow-minded. I hate to make it seem that general, but it was very evident during this last election. I feel grateful to live in a city now (Raleigh) that is open-minded, quiet, and embraces diversity and authenticity. My authenticity often got me into trouble when I was younger (mainly by teachers or other authority figures), so I choose to land in places that have those same values of unapologetic authenticity, honesty, and compassion as an adult.
However, I want to give Bucks County credit where credit is due – holding law enforcement accountable, protesting on corners and bridges, marching the streets – it is all so incredible to watch from afar and I feel really proud of my hometown.
Pricing:
- Individual therapy: $150/hour
- Couples/dyads: $175/hour
- 1:1 coaching: $140/hour
- Groups: $50/group
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.janickiholistichealing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janickiholistichealing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Janicki-Holistic-Healing-61564425428815/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjanicki/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bettermindscounseling
- Other: https://www.truecolorscollectivepa.com
