Bio:
Zaina is a graduate practicum student at the Khalil Center. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University. Her research interests center on the long-term psychological effects of early dieting behaviors, with a focus on how fad dieting during childhood and adolescence influences adult body image and self-concept. She is also passionate about examining how sociocultural factors such as media internalization, and beauty standards contribute to body dissatisfaction and mental health disparities in racial and ethnic minority populations. Through her work, she hopes to bridge research and clinical practice in ways that meaningfully support diverse communities often overlooked in psychological research.
Her experience includes working as a diagnostic extern at a juvenile detention center, where she conducted court-ordered psychological evaluations for adolescent offenders and provided treatment recommendations for those on probation. More recently, she has worked as a therapist in an outpatient hospital, conducting group therapy, individual therapy, and family sessions utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Alongside her work at the Khalil Center, Zaina is currently an advanced therapy practicum student at the Chicago DBT Institute, where she received foundational training in manualized DBT and conducts individual therapy, parenting sessions, and co-leads skills groups with adolescents and adults. Throughout these roles, Zaina has had the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan and from diverse backgrounds, addressing concerns such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, depression, substance use, and trauma.
Zaina’s approach to therapy centers on creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences and identities. She engages clients based on their current stage in life, utilizing a culturally responsive, values-driven, and client-centered lens to guide treatment. Zaina is passionate about reminding clients that, despite the obstacles life presents, they still have agency in taking steps toward living in alignment with their values.
Clinical Focus
Mood disorders (Depression and bipolar disorder)
Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD, and social anxiety)
Emotion Regulation and Behavioral Concerns
Modalities
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
Skill Groups
Languages Spoken
English
Urdu