New to Grow
My name is Dr. Zakkiyyah Sally better known as Dr. Z. I am a licensed professional counselor who specializes in trauma‑informed care. I am dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities heal and thrive. I utilize a strengths‑based approach in counseling that honors each person’s story, builds on their strong points, and that supports positive change for clients. My work blends helping clients to develop self-compassion; helping clients work through relationship issues with their partner, family members, friends, or with colleagues at work; helping clients to develop a better understanding of their feelings, needs, and the direction they want to move towards for their life; and demonstrating real life strategies that clients can use in everyday life to experience calm, peace, and a better sense of control.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During the first session, clients can expect a calm, welcoming space where they can talk about what brings them to therapy, explore their goals, review their history at a pace that feels comfortable for them, and begin identifying their strengths and the supports they already have. During the first session, I’ll explain the flow of the therapy sessions—to include my trauma‑informed therapy approach, my cognitive behavioral therapy approach, my compassion focused therapy approach, and other treatment modalities that I may use during counseling.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
As a therapist, I value the therapeutic relationship and the counselor–client connection, knowing that trust and safety are the foundation for meaningful growth. I am also currently leading a self‑love challenge, which reflects my commitment to helping clients build confidence, compassion for themselves, and healthier emotional patterns. For women, self‑love becomes a pathway to reclaiming identity, honoring their needs, and creating space for emotional wellness. For men, self‑love becomes a pathway to emotional strength, healthier relationships, and a more grounded sense of self.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are individuals, parents, couples, and families who want a safe space to heal, grow, and build healthier life patterns. I work especially well with people seeking clarity, emotional safety, and practical tools they can use in everyday life. Many of my clients are navigating stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, life transitions, or the impact of past trauma, and they value a therapist who blends compassion, structure, and strengths‑based support. I also welcome clients who desire Christian counseling by request.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to help clients notice unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and practice healthier ways of thinking and responding.
Compassion Focused
Compassion‑Focused Therapy is used to help clients develop a kinder, more supportive inner voice so they can respond to challenges with less shame and more self‑compassion.
Trauma Informed Care
A trauma‑informed approach is used to ensure clients feel safe, respected, and supported as we work at a pace that honors their experiences and needs.
Family Therapy
Family therapy—including parent‑child work, couple's sessions, and whole‑family support—is used to help everyone communicate more effectively, understand each other’s needs, and build healthier patterns together.
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling is used to integrate faith‑based principles with therapeutic tools, helping clients to draw on their spiritual beliefs for strength, healing, and guidance. Christian counseling can be provided by request.