Joanna Zakhem, MS, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist
Staff Therapist, Supervisor
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Contact Information:
joanna@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com
(312) 767-2057 x 30
Education:
Florida State University, MS in Art Therapy, 2006
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, 2013
Certified EMDR Therapist, 2022
I work with:
Individual adults
Adolescents
Modalities: I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), while also pulling from attachment theory, internal family systems (IFS), relational, and strengths-based approaches.
Specialties: I specialize in working with the physiological and psychological impact of unresolved trauma and adverse life experiences. These experiences tend to present as a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to:
anxiety
depression
emotional dysregulation
trauma responses, such as flashbacks, dissociation, rumination, and intrusive thoughts.
Personal bio: 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 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.
During our initial sessions, you can expect… I believe the most important aspect of the therapeutic relationship is trust. Without it, even the most effective treatment modalities won’t work. This is especially true when we are working with trauma. Our initial sessions will focus on building a trusting partnership by getting to know one another at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We will focus on present symptoms and historical experiences, such as relationships, work, support networks, and past experiences in therapy, while also identifying your strengths and your goals for therapy.