Counseling
Hello!
My name is Jackie Tinklenberg, and I have the privilege of serving as your school social worker for students in grades PreK through 12. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), certified through the Minnesota Board of Social Work, and I am committed to supporting the well-being of our students and school community.
In May 2025, I graduated from the Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling (IRBC). My goal in pursuing this training was to better serve within our Christian school setting, integrating faith-based care with professional counseling support. I am also currently working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), a specialization that allows me to engage with young children through the language of play.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach to counseling children. Since younger children often struggle to express complex emotions verbally, play therapy allows them to communicate through toys, art, and play-based activities. Through these sessions, children can safely explore their feelings, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and work through challenges in a way that feels natural and non-threatening.
How I Support Our School Community:
My goal is to partner with you, the parent, so counseling services require your consent. I will also communicate with you the progress your child is making. My role includes offering help and encouragement in many areas, such as:
- Listening, supporting, encouraging, and praying with students.
- Teaching study habits and organizational skills.
- Providing crisis intervention.
- Helping with conflict resolution and anger management.
- Developing social and emotional skills.
- Supporting mental health concerns like anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Offering resources and support to parents and families.
Above all, my goal is to provide support and counseling that aligns with our mission here at Southwest Christian Schools.
Please feel free to reach out if you feel your child would benefit from talking with me!
Jackie Tinklenberg, LICSW
School Social Worker | PreK–12
Contact Information:
