Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Oak Park, IL

My interpersonal style can be described as warm, inquisitive and humorous. What I value most about therapy is unconditional positive regard for you as a client and also unconditional positive regard for myself. I also value self-care for myself and the clients I work with. Taking care of yourself is an in-depth process so you can be the best person you can be. Being aware of yourself and who you are will lead to positive outcomes and thriving as a person instead of stagnating. A favorite quote of mine is from Socrates: "An unexamined life is not worth living." As a counselor I have worked with people of many and varied backgrounds for nineteen years. I welcome the opportunity to get to know you and to work with you toward positive change and growth. My Master's degree is in Clinical Social Work, Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois. Clinical Social Work is another way of saying I help people who may be struggling with social anxiety, anxiety, panic attacks, feelings of hopelessness, sadness/not liking yourself, relational issues, identity issues and more. I look forward to getting to know you!

I exercise good self-care by enjoying working out, hiking in State and local parks, meeting up with friends for coffee, reading the classics, tatting, and making music on my hammered dulcimer.

Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

My name is Najm Zaman, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, heal from trauma, and build lasting resilience!

My professional journey spans over 15 years across clinical practice, healthcare operations, and community leadership. I hold both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Adelphi University. Throughout my career, I have served in diverse roles—from supervising foster care programs to leading community-based non-profit organizations and wellness initiatives. This background allows me to understand my clients not just in isolation, but within the broader context of their environments, families, and communities.

While I work with a wide range of individuals, my primary areas of specialization include:

• Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
• Anxiety and Mood Management
• Life Transitions and Identity Development
• Youth, Young Adult, and Family Dynamics
• Relationships and Breakups