LCSW, 10 years of experience
Hi there, I'm Zerek. Do you feel that your life is spiraling? Do you often feel anxiety in everyday social situations? Do you feel pulled in a million directions and have lost your sense of self and meaning? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help everyday people who seek to improve their relationship with themselves, improve their charisma, build their confidence, manage anxiety, and avoid burnout. Together, we identify what's working and what is not, in order to restore your sense of wellness and balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues, or cycles of anxiety and depression, I am here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary - even, intimidating - but you're making the right choice. You deserve the safe space you have been needing to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups, and create new habits toward the vision of wellness and wholeness that you deeply hold. I am excited to walk alongside you. Let's work!
Expect MAGIC (meaningful, authentic, growth-intended counseling)! Sessions are empowering, compassion-driven, and practice-oriented. We unpack problems, but, therapy takes on exciting meaning when solutions are practiced! Sessions begin in reflection and close with opportunities for real-life application. Real-life application is where the magic happens and the magic is what drives life change. Guidance through transformation is facilitated through activities, worksheets, and specific exercises that empower you to make the shift your life needs.
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.
In my practice, I use CBT to help clients explore how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. We work together to identify unhelpful patterns-like negative self-talk or avoidance-and replace them with more balanced thoughts and healthy coping strategies. CBT is practical and collaborative, often involving homework and real-life tools to support change between sessions.
In my practice, I use couples counseling to help partners recognize and shift unhelpful patterns in their relationship. I guide them in developing clearer communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening emotional connection. Through structured conversations and skill-building exercises, we work together to foster mutual understanding, support, and long-term relationship health.
In my practice, I use EFT to help couples and individuals explore the deeper emotional needs and patterns that shape their relationships. EFT focuses on identifying negative cycles of disconnection and creating new patterns of emotional responsiveness, trust, and security. By helping clients access and express vulnerable emotions in a safe and structured way, I support them in building stronger bonds and more fulfilling relationships.
2 ratings with written reviews
May 29, 2025
I know that Dr Mayes genuinely cares about me and everything that I feel and experience. He has and shares insights that show a profound understanding of me and my reality. I value how he has a strong command of the tools/knowledge of his profession and balances that against what he knows about me. He combines the two to lead me to work through my concerns and problem-solve so that my resolution stays authentic to me and my personal situation while also being a sound/healthy practice for my good
April 24, 2025
Hey! I just wanted to share how amazing my therapist is. He really listened to me and even gave me some homework for our next session. I felt comfortable opening up. So far, so good! I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and how I can grow and change my life for the better.