Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through life’s more challenging problems. We’re constantly bombarded by many stresses. They keep us from being who we want to be. A good parent, loving partner, present mother, or just true to our values.
A lot of times, people think that they’ll be happy if they get the next promotion, or buy the latest car, or find the person of their dreams. But in reality, what we seek is already in us. We just have to learn how to access it. It’s important to know when therapy is the answer. When we feel emotionally dysregulated, our emotions are all over the place.
A negative thought may pop-up in your head. The next thing you know, you’re feeling sad, then angry at yourself, making the judgment that you’re not good enough.
Does that sound familiar?
Let’s build a relationship of mutual respect and understanding. I treat clients as partners in the process of moving them from a place of discomfort and pain, to a place of hope and transformation. From the first session, you’ll have a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel secure to start the work towards your goals.
After a few sessions, you can expect to discern the patterns that led you to feel less than what your true potential is, work on formulating a plan of action, and be well on your way to healing. I offer my potential clients a 20-minute free phone call to discuss what’s going on in their world and how I can assist them in achieving what they want.
That is the greatest gift we can give ourselves; and what an honor it is for me to unlock that with you in session!
Areas of Expertise:
In addition to depression, anxiety, life transitions, disordered eating, I am passionate about working with couples, grief & loss and parenting.
Couples & Relationships Counseling:
Considering couples therapy is a brave, big step. It means you value your relationship to the point of allowing a stranger access into your most intimate experiences.
That could include intimacy issues, talking about the hurt when your partner dismisses your feelings, feeling like no matter what you do, you don’t get attention from your partner. Feeling unloved and lonely. Is your relationship headed down a path you never expected?
Couples can feel triggered by their reactions to their partner’s unspoken language like silence, coldness, or withholding love. Discouraged, feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the problem and inability to communicate. But what attracted you to each other can be rekindled. Find a safe place to express your true feelings and be heard without causing more damage.
Take this journey together. I honor your decision to seek help by letting my clients know that it’s a journey they have to take together. I’ll be there to guide you and give you suggestions and feedback, knowing that most of your work is done outside the session.
I use Imago Relationship Therapy and Emotionally Focus Therapy. These allos clients to connect with the emotions that triggered them as a child and learn how to communicate that with their partner to build better understanding of how best to truly listen and respond.
By addressing the underlying attachment issues in therapy, clients can heal and therefore, as a result, improve their communication by learning to not only respect each other’s feelings, but give them an understanding of what hasn’t worked for them in the past and what needs to be done to change it.
Grief & Loss Counseling:
How does grief look?
Grief can come in many different forms. The loss of a loved one or a pet. The diagnosis of a disease or deterioration of health. It can be the loss of a cherished and nurtured relationship or friendship. Maybe the dream job you wanted or had was taken from you. Grief can be a loss that hasn’t happened yet, but one you know is on the way.
Everyone could use a little extra support when grief hits. We need help getting through the experiences of losing someone (or an animal) we love, life transitions, health, anxiety about the impending loss of a loved one, or stress because the situation is out of our control.
During grief or loss, we want to reconnect with joy and the hope that we can find a way forward! I’ll help you navigate the murky waters of grief with the support you need.
My passion is working one-on-one with you to manage these challenges and offer unique support tailored just for you.
Along with grief and loss, I can help with issues such as, chronic illness, pain, or fatigue, coping with a new medical diagnosis, anxiety, depression, or panic.
I can also support you during the loss of an animal or pet, relationship loss or change, LGBTQ+ affirming, retirement, divorce, or life transitions of any kind.
Allow yourself some personal time to take care of what’s important – healing.
By recognizing that we’re vulnerable and need help sometimes, we give ourselves permission to be whole again.
We all experience grief and loss in our lives, but we don’t have to experience it alone.
About Me
I’m a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Virgina and Florida. I’m passionate about empowering clients to overcome their struggles and free themselves from their limiting believes. If you’re interested in becoming a better, happier, and more fulfilled you, get started and please contact me today!
I strive to help people in different stages of life – ranging from young adults, professionals, to older people – to find balance in their lives, whether they are struggling in their relationships, careers, or personal fulfillment.
Using a direct and collaborative approach to therapy, I focus on goal-based counseling while empowering my clients to generate the change they desire in themselves.
I work by partnering with clients to identify what success means to them and setting goals to achieve that in a warm, safe and non-judgmental space. Upon listening to my client’s unique needs, I transition between therapy and coaching, providing both, support and guidance.
Born in the Middle East and having the advantage of living in many different countries around the world, I utilize my multicultural background to provide empathetic and compassionate support for clients from diverse walks of life.
I have a broad range of experience working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, family conflict, bereavement, mood disorders, gender dysphoria, and other various issues.
I received my MS in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I’m a national certified counselor (NCC) by the National Board of Certified Counselors and a member of the American Counseling Association, and am licensed in Virginia and Florida.
I enjoy living in DC with my family and two dogs.
Note:
Zainab is out of network with insurance. She will guide you and provide you with necessary information to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Zainab sees clients via telehealth.
