Joanna Zakhem, MS, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist

Staff Therapist, Supervisor

Pronouns: she, her, hers

“Be Gentle. You are meeting part of yourself you have been at war with” -Unknown

When we experience psychological and emotional stress, our brains and bodies have automatic coping mechanisms to help us survive, such as being flooded with adrenaline to help us fight or flee or shutting down to protect us from unimaginable stress. Sometimes, however, the things we experience can overwhelm our minds, bodies, and emotions, and we essentially get stuck re-experiencing our traumas and repeating harmful patterns in how we engage with ourselves and others.

I specialize in working with clients affected by a wide range of traumas and adverse life experiences, including sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse, neglect, and grief/loss. I use a strengths-based, relational approach in my work with clients, which allows us to not only establish a trusting partnership and work with the coping strategies you already have, but also helps you learn and integrate new strategies for growth and healing.

I often incorporate the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an evidence-based treatment modality. EMDR allows us to intentionally engage with our trauma, thereby learning how our bodies and minds are attempting to cope and helping us change those harmful patterns that often cause us to feel stuck. I believe we each have the power, ability, and wisdom within ourselves to heal, to find peace, and to be whole, but that sometimes we need some guidance in knowing where to look.

I have been providing therapeutic services since graduating with my master’s degree in 2006. I completed Levels 1 and 2 of EMDR training in 2015 and became a Certified EMDR Therapist in 2022 through the completion of advanced trainings, continued EMDR focused consultation, and direct service hours using EMDR. I have done advanced EMDR trainings in the areas of attachment, reprocessing recent traumatic events, providing trauma-informed and affirmative practices for the LGBTQ+ and GNC communities, and the intersectionality of EMDR and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.

I have repeatedly witnessed people heal from psychological and emotional distress caused by trauma and adverse life experiences. I have watched as they developed and integrated a more comprehensive understanding of their strengths and abilities. I look forward to being in partnership with you and witnessing these changes in you through our work together.

joanna@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com

(312) 767-2057 x 30