Zhana Balaam(She/Her/Hers)

Zhana Balaam is an Associate Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Associate Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist providing telehealth services in North Carolina. Zhana’s primary focus lies in providing specialized couples counseling and sex therapy to young and middle-aged couples. Many of Zhana’s clients come when they experience communication challenges, distrust, and find themselves in a negative cycle. Zhana’s work centers around empowering couples to develop effective communication strategies, enabling them to express their thoughts and emotions with clarity and authenticity, create healthy relational patterns, and redefine intimacy in their relationship.

Zhana’s approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, active listening, and non-judgmental support. During treatment, Zhana delights herself incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches in therapeutic practice. Through the implementation of CBT, Zhana assists clients in recognizing and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be hindering their personal development and impeding healthy relationships. Furthermore, with the utilization of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Zhana guides couples in understanding and expressing their emotions more effectively, deepening their emotional bonds, and building stronger connections with one another. Additionally, Zhana incorporates the Motivational Interviewing (MI) approach into therapeutic practice as it is an effective way to support clients in making positive changes in their lives.

During sessions, Zhana and clients engage in open, transparent, and candid discussions about raw and sensitive topics. By encouraging couples to discuss these sensitive topics, she and clients address the root causes of their challenges and work towards finding constructive solutions i.e. a positive cycle and healthy relational patterns.

Zhana's commitment to empowering couples aligns with her understanding that they are the experts in their relationship. By respecting their autonomy and individual experiences, she helps them make informed decisions, develop healthier patterns of relating, and supports their well-being along their healing journey.