I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a compassionate and competent therapist I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I actively listen while validating emotions, and offering support tailored to individual needs. Through evidence-based techniques and empathetic understanding, I guide clients towards self-awareness, growth, and empowerment, fostering resilience and positive change. I am dedicated to supporting clients on their journey towards mental health and well-being with warmth, expertise, and genuine care. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and you should feel proud of yourself for getting started!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session with me, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they can feel safe to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Here's an outline of what typically happens: 1. Introduction and Establishing Rapport: I'll start by introducing myself and creating a comfortable atmosphere. I'll explain the therapy process, including confidentiality and the client's rights. Building rapport is essential, so I'll encourage the client to ask questions and express any initial apprehensions. 2. Exploring Client's Concerns and Goals: I'll invite the client to share what brought them to therapy and what they hope to achieve. This may involve discussing current challenges, symptoms, or life stressors. I'll listen attentively, offering empathy and validation as they share their experiences. 3. Assessment and Gathering Information: I'll ask questions to gather relevant background information, such as personal history, family dynamics, past experiences with therapy, and any relevant medical or mental health history. This helps me better understand the client's unique context and tailor the therapy approach accordingly. 4. Discussing Therapy Approach: Based on the client's concerns and goals, I'll explain my therapeutic approach and how I believe it can help address their needs. This may include discussing various techniques or modalities that could be beneficial, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, or psychodynamic therapy. 5. Collaborative Goal Setting: Together, we'll establish goals for therapy that are specific, measurable, and attainable. I'll ensure the client's goals align with their values and aspirations. We'll discuss how progress will be evaluated and any potential challenges that may arise along the way. 6. Addressing Client Questions and Concerns: Throughout the session, I'll encourage the client to ask questions, seek clarification, or express any concerns they may have about the therapy process. Open communication is essential for building trust and fostering a productive therapeutic relationship. 7. Closing and Scheduling Next Session: Towards the end of the session, I'll summarize our discussion, reiterate any action steps or insights gained, and discuss scheduling for future sessions. I'll emphasize the importance of regular attendance and engagement in the therapeutic process. Overall, the first session serves as an opportunity for the client to feel heard, understood, and supp

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in several key areas: 1. Empathy and Compassion: I have a deep capacity for empathy and compassion, allowing me to truly understand and connect with my clients on an emotional level. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel validated, heard, and accepted without judgment. 2. Active Listening: I am a skilled listener who pays close attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues. I listen with empathy and curiosity, seeking to understand my clients' experiences from their perspective. This helps me tailor my interventions to meet their unique needs and concerns. 3. Collaborative Approach: I believe in the power of collaboration between therapist and client. I view therapy as a partnership where clients are empowered to take an active role in their healing journey. I work collaboratively with clients to set goals, explore insights, and develop strategies for change. 4. Flexibility and Adaptability: I am adaptable in my therapeutic approach, drawing from various modalities and techniques to meet the diverse needs of my clients. Whether it's cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques, or psychodynamic exploration, I tailor my approach to best suit each individual client. 5. Cultural Competence: I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. I strive to understand and honor the unique cultural, ethnic, and social identities of each client, recognizing the impact these factors may have on their mental health and well-being. 6. Resilience and Optimism: I maintain a positive outlook and a belief in my clients' capacity for growth and resilience. Even in the face of challenges, setbacks, or difficult emotions, I remain steadfast in supporting my clients and helping them navigate their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Essentially, I provide high-quality, client-centered care that empowers individuals to overcome obstacles, cultivate self-awareness, and lead more fulfilling lives. My strengths as a provider enable me to facilitate meaningful change and transformation in the lives of those I serve.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

As a compassionate and experienced therapist, I am best positioned to serve clients who are open to self-exploration and growth. These clients may be facing various challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions. They may also be seeking support in understanding themselves better, improving their mental well-being, and enhancing their overall quality of life. In other words, I am well-equipped to assist a wide range of clients, such as:  Individuals seeking support for mental health concerns: Whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or other challenges, I can offer evidence-based strategies and compassionate guidance.  Those navigating life transitions: Whether it's career changes, relationship issues, or identity exploration, I can provide a supportive space for self-exploration and growth.  People dealing with stress and burnout: Whether it's work-related stress, caregiver burnout, or overwhelming life demands, I can help clients develop coping skills and self-care strategies.  Individuals struggling with self-esteem and confidence: Whether it's overcoming self-doubt, negative self-talk, or perfectionism, I can support clients in building self-compassion and embracing their worth.  Individuals exploring personal growth and self-discovery: Whether it's enhancing self-awareness, clarifying values, or pursuing personal goals, I can assist clients in their journey towards self-fulfillment and authenticity. My approach is client-centered, meaning I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. I believe in collaborating with clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, as well as identifying their strengths and resources to facilitate healing and personal development. I am particularly skilled in working with individuals who are motivated to engage in therapy and are committed to making positive changes in their lives. Whether they are seeking short-term solutions or long-term insight-oriented therapy, I tailor my approach to meet their unique needs and goals. Additionally, I am well-equipped to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, as well as clients who identify as LGBTQ+. My goal is to provide a culturally sensitive and affirming space where all clients feel respected and valued. Overall, I am dedicated to supporting my clients on their

About Zaina Lee