About Me

Hi, my name is Zainab, I use she/her pronouns. My private practice, Lavender Counseling, reflects my name and the plant that holds a calming aura of wellness. I am glad you're here and a step closer on the path towards healing!

I was born and raised in here in North and NE Portland. With my counseling practice I hope to be a resource for my community. I strongly believe in community healing and support. At the core of community is each individual; the healing starts with you.

I identify as a Black and Palestinian Queer cisgender woman. Going from once in my life believing I don’t stand a chance at going to college to instilling hope in others for a living is a career that I am truly grateful to be a part of. Together we will discuss how our identities may show up in the counseling room. I’m also a huge nature lover, with ecotherapy being one of my early interests before starting my grad program. Ecotherapy may show up in the counseling room in a variety of ways, such as mindfulness based meditations and bringing in earth elements.

I am currently an LPC Associate, under the supervision of Fayanna Johnson, LCSW. I hold a Masters degree in Counseling with a specialty in Relationship and Family Therapy, and a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience in supporting youth and families within both school and office settings. I have worked significantly with severe and persistent mental illness and support individuals with increasing quality of life, independence and overall functioning.

Some relevant trainings I have completed include: Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and CBT for Psychosis. I have also completed two suicide prevention trainings: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and QPR Suicide Prevention Certificate.

All identities are welcome and may be explored including gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, immigration status, body size, religion, age, socioeconomic status, ability, and relationship status/type. Identity, privilege, and power show up both overtly and covertly in our everyday lives and will also be explored in counseling. My counseling room is an anti-racist, fat positive, and LGBTQIA2S+ supportive environment. I'm looking forward to meeting you!