Zack Simon, Doctoral Trainee

Alaafia! I’m Zack Simon, a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies under the supervision of John Joseph, LMFT. As the first in my family to pursue a doctorate, I understand the importance of balancing big dreams with real-world pressures, and I bring that insight to every session. My personal discipline and artistic expression manifest in my life as a breakdancer (bboy). As a B-Boy, I honed my discipline and creativity through years of mastering power moves, freezes, and intricate footwork. My dedication to daily practice not only built physical strength and fluidity but also fostered a deep sense of body awareness and expressive movement.

I work with adults and families navigating economic stress, trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions. Whether you’re a parent, a young professional, or somewhere in between, my goal is to create a space where your story is honored and your resilience is cultivated.

My approach to therapy blends culturally informed psychotherapy with creative, body-centered techniques such as:

• Rhythm drawing on my background in breakdance and dance/movement therapy to help you release tension and restore joy.
• DBT to help you navigate intense emotions and build distress tolerance keeps structure consistent and clarifies benefits.
• NTU Psychotherapy and other Afrocentric practices that emphasize harmony, community, and empowerment.

Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and tailored to your cultural context and personal strengths. Growing up in a low-income Black household showed me how survival pressures can eclipse mental health care. That lived experience fuels my commitment to accessible, culturally attuned therapy for people from all walks of life. My doctoral research examines how childhood adversity and single Black fathers’ belief systems impact children’s emotional development, knowledge that deepens my family-systems perspective.

I believe healing is possible and joy is our birthright. If you’re ready to transform pain into resilience, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.