Community Highlights: Meet Jacqueline Plante of Gather and Grow OC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Plante

Hi Jacqueline, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As we shift into 2025 I’ve been reflecting more and more on the things that influence where I stand today, and the word that I keep coming back to is “community.” My story is influenced by those around me who shaped it, and it is rooted in me feeling safe and seeking support from people I admired and trusted. All the way back to college, it was talking and processing with a friend about what it might be like if I pursued becoming a therapist. Asking those who knew more than I did about the process of applying to grad school (something that no one in my family had done yet). After graduating, talking to colleagues as I grew into practicing as a therapist. My community has been a wealth of knowledge, and rather than sitting in isolation and imposter syndrome (which has certainly been something to overcome along the way), I took control of the fear and leaned on others.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing about owning a business is smooth. It’s not that everyday feels hard or has a specific challenge, but the truth is that it never shuts down. Wearing a few major hats (business owner, therapist, and clinical supervisor) are all roles I take seriously, and the likelihood is that in any given moment something needs my attention. And not to mention as a mom, if something is quiet at work, there is certainly something to keep me busy at home. I love all of the things I do, and wouldn’t want to give any of them up, but the biggest struggle has been making space to also be a person with my own individual needs, and to not let the weight of other responsibility keep me from that. One thing I’ve learned is that the more I’m able to carve out self-care (which might be a barre class, might be getting my nails done, or might just be bingeing Bravo), the better I can be at everything else.

As you know, we’re big fans of Gather and Grow OC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Gather and Grow OC is a therapy practice in Fullerton, CA (we also offer telehealth for all of California, Washington, and Florida). We are rooted in culturally competent and LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and prioritize ongoing education for ourselves and our team to ensure we are always offering the highest quality of care to our clients. I personally specialize in relationship work, specifically looking at power dynamics in cis het relationships, and how our early attachment creates a framework for how this plays out in our romantic relationships. I love love, and my biggest priority is to help those who work with me to find the love, respect, and excitement they had early on in their relationship.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have a dark sense of humor, and enjoy utilizing that in my sessions. It’s rare that even in navigating harder topics that there isn’t some space to find brevity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gatherandgrowoc.com/jacquelineplante
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelineplantetherapist/?hl=en