Kasia Zak
------ Licensed Clinical Social Worker
------ Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor
(she/her/hers)
Kasia Zak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor who specializes in the treatment of young adults and adults struggling with addiction, mood disorders, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem/self-worth issues, relationship issues, and other general life and work stressors.
Kasia’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and warm. Kasia prioritizes creating a safe space for clients to explore what brings them into therapy and providing a constructive environment to facilitate change.
Areas of Expertise
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Addictions, Depression, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Self-Esteem/ Self-Worth Issues, Relationship Issues, Work/School Stressors.
Kasia holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work. Kasia completed her internship at Northshore University Health System’s Partial Hospitalization Program working with adults of different mental health diagnoses through group therapy. Before pursuing private practice, Kasia worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital where she provided crisis intervention, case management, and discharge planning. Most recently, Kasia has worked at Compass Health Center where she filled a variety of roles from individual and group therapist to program development for dually diagnosed clients. Kasia has had an opportunity to work with a variety of clients struggling with suicidality, substance use, mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, and trauma. Kasia utilizes interventions informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing.
A note from Kasia:
I became a therapist because I believe that every person has the capacity to change and to lead a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. I find the human psyche fascinating because of its incredible propensity for resilience and growth and I want to be your advocate for change. I am most passionate about having the privilege to walk alongside my clients and help them connect with parts of themselves they may have lost sight of through hardship or loss. My personal therapy style can best be described as compassionate, genuine, and warm and in my approach, I emphasize the journey towards self-acceptance. In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and friends, traveling, watching anything on HBO, working on home improvement projects, trying new restaurants, and taking care of my endlessly energetic blue heeler named Oreo.
While her office is located in downtown Chicago next to Millenium park for in-person sessions, she also welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, South Loop, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.