Rida Shahzad

Rida Shahzad is a U.S. based psychotherapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work with a specialization in Trauma-Informed Practices from the University of Chicago.

Rida has accumulated over 3000+ hours of experience while working at the University of Chicago Hospitals. She has previously worked as a crisis intervention specialist with victims of gun violence, survivors of domestic violence, and human trafficking. Currently, Rida works with court-mandated clients in Chicago, Illinois.

In her private practice, she addresses psychological concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, shame, guilt, grief, self-esteem issues, and stress management. She primarily works with clients between the ages of 18 and 60 who are not considered high-risk. Her primary modalities are relational, eclectic, and holistic, and her practice is rooted in compassion, empathy, and an overall non-judgmental approach.

Central to her practice is the belief that individuals are the experts of their own experiences. As a therapist, her role is to provide a compassionate space where clients feel empowered to explore, reflect, and navigate their journey towards well-being. Seeing each individual as the primary agent of change in their own life, she aims to support and guide them as they tap into their inner resilience and potential.

In addition to her therapy practice, Rida has been involved in setting up the Counseling and Case Management wing at the Violence Against Women Center in Punjab, Pakistan. Her work involved coordinating with experts in the field and developing standard operating procedures for the clinicians and case workers.

Rida is currently only seeing clients in Pakistan remotely.