Hello and welcome to my practice. My name is Zakia Ovington, and I am a licensed clinical counselor who specializes in guiding clients through their unique journeys of trauma recovery, emotional well-being, and the pursuit of authentic self-leadership. With a deep commitment to understanding and healing, my approach is rooted in compassion and expertise, providing a safe space for individuals to explore and overcome their challenges. I am dedicated to empowering each client to navigate their path with resilience and self-awareness, unlocking the potential for profound personal growth and a fulfilling life journey.
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.
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 an appointment. 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
- EMDR treatment for adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA)
- Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician
- Internal Family Systems class on Complex Trauma and PTSD
- Foundations of Internal Family Systems Model
- Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment Certification
- EMDRIA Approved Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Basic Training
- Brainspotting Phase 1
- Treating BPD with EMDR
- Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Relational Life Therapy Level 1
- Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence Training: Trauma-Informed Interventions, Documentation, Reporting and Ethical Issues
- 2- Day Intensive Anger Management Certification Training
- Sexual Trauma Therapy
- Working with Infidelity