Hector Zavala

My clients often describe my therapeutic style with three words: caring, understanding, and direct. I believe in an individualized approach to therapy rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, and I integrate various modalities, including positive psychology, person centered therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), Gottman methods, solution-focused strategies, and mindfulness techniques. ​ I view therapy as a partnership where you are the expert in your own life. My aim is to help you understand your needs while recognizing and valuing your strengths. I provide essential tools, resources, and skills to empower you on your healing journey, ensuring that you have the support to continue your progress long after our sessions conclude. ​ Prior to my career as a counselor, I worked the field of psychology in various positions. I worked in detention centers, hospitals, group homes, and eventually as a DCFS case manager in Illinois. After experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout, I decided to pursue a fulfilling path, prompting my decision to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University. Throughout my therapeutic career, I have been influenced by exceptional mentors and contemporary thought leaders. I incorporate insights from Jeffrey Kottler on narratives of our lives and those of my clients, Dave Ramsey on Wealth Building and Giving, Dan Siegel on positive psychology, Brené Brown on embracing vulnerability, and Gottman’s communication strategies for family and partner relationships into my practice. I lead professional development workshops in my field to help my peers continue to grow as clinicians. In addition to my counseling work, I am a psychology professor at Olive Harvey College. Prior teaching experiences include teaching as a part time professor at Adler University, Northwestern University, National Louis University, and Northern Illinois University for seven years.