Zaina Dar is a clinical psychology practicum student at the Chicago DBT Institute. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University. In terms of experience, Zaina previously worked 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). 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, autism, depression, substance use, and trauma.

Zaina’s approach to therapy emphasizes creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment while engaging clients based on their current stage in life. She aims to remind clients that, despite the obstacles life presents, they still have agency in taking steps toward living in alignment with their values.

In her free time, Zaina enjoys watching horror movies, painting, and spending time with her two cats, Beezy and Tigger.