About Zakia : Future Focus Counselling & Consulting

My Story

My journey began in a quaint, mountainous village in India, far from my parents who were pursuing the immigrant dream in the Middle East. After five years of alternating between boarding schools and living with aunts and uncles, we reunited in Saudi Arabia. There, amidst cultural and language barriers, English became our lingua franca. Adapting to being a daughter in this new context was challenging but brought a sense of safety. However, the Gulf War soon plunged us into a war-torn environment, leading to another relocation, this time to the USA.

Always academically inclined, I navigated through college, backpacked across Asia, found love, and embarked on married life while building a career in the corporate world. I held various roles at Microsoft, GE Digital, Oracle, and Salesforce, where I faced the intense demands of employee and managerial positions. This professional path made me acutely aware of the impact of both minor 't' traumas, like everyday stressors, and major 'T' traumas, or life-altering events, on emotional well-being and health.

Ultimately, I realized that my core values resonated more with healing and support. This epiphany led me to transition from the corporate sector to my true calling as a counselor. In this role, I integrate my personal experiences with professional expertise to assist others, underscoring the importance of understanding and healing from trauma for holistic well-being.

My Mission

My mission is to guide individuals toward a profound understanding and nurturing of their emotional well-being. I am committed to helping you develop authentic self-leadership skills and align your life choices with your innate sense of purpose. My focus is on creating a compassionate, supportive, and non-judgmental space that fosters personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. My approach is personalized to meet your unique emotional and psychological needs, ensuring that our journey together is a collaborative and holistic process aimed at enhancing your overall well-being.

My Areas of Focus

Who I Am

In my time away from counseling, I find joy in hiking and traveling, immersing myself in the beauty of nature. I am also learning to play the ukulele and actively participate in building a stronger community through local initiatives and events. These activities contribute to a balanced and fulfilling personal life. Alongside my partner, we navigate the enriching challenges and joys of raising three teenagers.

Professionally, I work with adult men, women and couples from diverse ethnic, religious, social, cultural, and professional backgrounds. I hold a deep commitment to cultural humility, suspending judgment, and respecting a wide range of experiences and perspectives. As a BIPOC woman of South Asian Islamic descent, I bring a personal understanding of the immigrant experience, having survived war, oppression, famine, and hunger.

I am privileged to be a part of your journey towards a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life. If you're ready to unlock your true potential and create a life that resonates with your authentic self, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation. I look forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you.

Training

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Feminist Theory, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Masters of Science in Information Systems.

Additional Training: Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems Master Class on Complex Trauma and PTSD, Foundations of Internal Family Systems Model, Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, EMDRIA Approved Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Basic Training. Currently pursuing EMDR Certification.

Let's Meet! Join Me for a Free Consultation

If you seek healing, validation, growth, change, empowerment, clarity, or an alternate perspective, I invite you to reach out to me for a FREE 20-minute consultation.

Contact Me Today

I am licensed to practice in Washington State and the following Canadian Provinces: Yukon, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland.