Welcome! My name is Zakiya and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania with 7 years of experience. I received my Masters in professional counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. Most of my work has been in substance use counseling, but I also have experience with mental health therapy. I have worked in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and short-term residential settings in Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia.
I have a strong belief that every person has the innate ability to become the best version of themselves, and I believe that my role as a counselor is to help them to reach that point. I use a person-centered approach by ensuring that the "best version" I get my clients to reach is a version that they have chosen based on their personal goals.
In my work, I have assisted individuals with issues such as substance use , post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I have been trained in the use of Seeking Safety as a treatment for post traumatic stress disorder. I utilize this and other evidence-based techniques in my work, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. I am also flexible with learning and trying new techniques. I want to make sure I use the best strategy for each individual I encounter!
I look forward to helping you to reach your goals!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Co-morbidity, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
RI LPC MHC01212
VA LPC 0701012176
PA LPC PC012687
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Zakiya Pollard. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Zakiya was wonderfully easy to work with. She helped pinpoint my issues, worked with me to talk them out, and gave guidance on how to best to cope and/or resolve.
Her demeanor is kind, understanding, and generous. And very helpful.
Written on Mar 17, 2021 after therapy with Zakiya for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
I've been working with Zakiya for the past 2 months and feel like I've made a huge amount of progress in such a short amount of time. She actively listens and applies goals/ homework specifically for the subjects we touch on. From day one she's been a great listener and asks many questions that helps broaden your own thinking on the subjects talked about. Zakiya has been extremely helpful thus far and I look forward to continuing to work with her.
Written on Dec 09, 2020 after therapy with Zakiya for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd