Lynn Zakeri LCSW Clinical Services, PLLC
Adolescent through Adult Psychotherapy
Start Feeling Better Today
In-person Therapy
Appointments Available
in Skokie, IL 60076
In-person Therapy
Appointments Available
Northfield, IL 60093
Online/Virtual Availability:
Indiana
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Utah
Missouri
Wisconsin
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Hello!
My name is Lynn Renee Zakeri (she/her/hers), owner of Lynn Zakeri LCSW Clinical Services, PLLC, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Making the first appointment is the hardest step, and I ensure that you are comfortable and at ease from the first contact.
I feel that my strengths lie in my ability to make connections and foster a warm relationship, even with those who are apprehensive. This is because of the improvements and benefits seen almost immediately.
ANNOUNCING 2021: I am so grateful to have amazing associates join my practice, allowing for more availability! Find out more below
My Experience
I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My clients have successfully worked through multiple issues, including anxiety, depression, transitions, work ethics/motivation, young adult goal setting, self-esteem, anger, family dysfunction (present or past), marital therapy, new mom stress, social skills, trauma, self-harming, and eating disorders, among others. I enjoy assisting in the progress and achievement of attaining goals. As of September 2022, I am an Illinois Social Worker of the Year, National Association of Social Workers, Illinois!
Latest Presentations/Groups
- NAMI Teen Support Group Leader
- Rising Strong and Daring Greatly: Brené Brown Co‑Facilitator
- What is Normal? (for parents)
- Social Media: You Don't Know What You Don't Know
- The Price of Popularity
- Overweight Adolescents and Bullying
- Transition to College
My Credentials
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois
- Also licensed in MI, OH, IN, WI, FL and with pending licensure in many more states!
- In private practice for over 15 years (Recognized as NASW-IL Social Worker of the Year!)
- Over 10 years as a school social worker
- S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) trained to end self-injurious behaviors
- Twice-elected Board Member of the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL)
My Style
You will leave feeling better each time we meet. Using a cognitive-behavioral approach, I have worked successfully with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families. My style is practical, focusing a lot on coping mechanisms and strategies, but also warm and engaging. Some of my strengths include really seeing who you are, being authentic, and moving at your own pace toward progress.
Whether you have anxiety and worry, are feeling sad or depressed, or just want some help setting and reaching goals, I will meet you where you are and help you move forward. I connect well with my clients—men, women, teens, and children—and would welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns.
If you want to learn more about me, feel free to read my blog.
Lynn has been featured in:
Services
I bring to my practice over 10 years of experience as a school social worker, several of them as the Lead School Social Worker in a district with over 20 school social workers. Additionally, I led my school’s intervention team, served as a case manager, and became well versed in the IEP/504 process.
In my current practice, I use all these experiences in the schools by being a strong advocate for my clients and by teaching them social skills, executive functioning habits, and other skills that are helpful both inside and outside of the school setting.
Adolescents confront so many issues in our world. They oftentimes struggle with difficulties such as bullying, social angst, poor study habits, anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, body image/eating disorder behaviors, sexual and gender identity questions, and school refusal.
Managing school, sports, and other activities on top of everything else is overwhelming. Developing a clinical relationship with adolescents during this period in their lives, teaching them the strategies they can use, and partnering with their parents is one of my favorite and most rewarding areas of expertise.
I have found ways to connect with the most resistant teens and have been a part of their team that celebrates their growth.
While the transition to college is one of my areas of expertise, I think a better description is the whole transition to adulthood. There are a lot of changes during this time, a lot of emotions, and a lot of “Where am I going and who am I?” answers to be found. Drugs, alcohol, self-harm, numbing behaviors, depression, panic, eating disorders… but also self-reflection, growth, problem-solving, movement, empowerment, and knowledge.
Some young adults have been so busy surviving, they don’t even know themselves. I appreciate the clarity that comes when they begin to really like and enjoy who they are becoming.
I have experience with adults who come from different backgrounds and concerns. Whether male, female, single, married, mentally ill, caretakers, parents, grandparents, and regardless of their diagnosis, we find a way to move forward.
Possibly, they have been to many therapists, and they tell me what they want to focus on, or perhaps the client arrives nervous and unsure and doesn’t know what to say. I help them figure it out pretty quickly. Sometimes, the appointment is triggered by a life event, or by a relationship, or perhaps even by a behavior (an addiction, a disorder, etc.). Whatever the reason, I enjoy making each session a progressive step towards something better.
I recognize and appreciate that couples therapy requires a lot of emotion and vulnerability. Articulating and clarifying where the couple is going and how to get there is something the three of us do together. I enjoy figuring out what is working and pointing out what is not.
Couples often begin therapy because things don’t feel safe or good. I try to move them towards safety as efficiently as possible. Some couples are not in crisis and want to make sure that they continue to do what is working. Not-as-frequent appointments and tweaks to communication can help both partners feel more secure and fulfilled.
I have led multiple support groups in the past, including Transition to College, Social Skills, Divorce, Grief, and Anxiety groups. I have led groups based on the work of Brené Brown, including "Daring Way" for teens and adults and "Rising Strong" for adults.
Contact me to find out about my upcoming groups: Skills Group (Fall 2017) and another Brené Brown Group (Winter 2018).
Specialties
We are in compliance with the No Surprise Act and will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate of your fee. The Estimate will reflect the cost of the services you requested and you will receive this when you schedule your first appointment.