Today we’d like to introduce you to Habiba Jessica Zaman.
Habiba, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have a pretty colorful background. I was born here, but my grandparents raised me in Bangladesh until I was eight years old. I’ve lived in many states however I have been in Atlanta for the past twenty-five years. I went to Georgia State University for my Undergraduate and Graduate degrees and pursued my passion in counseling. I am now finishing my doctorate and working on my research on understanding the impact of having parents with Narcissistic or Borderline Personality Disorder characteristics on how those experiences shape their current relationships as adults. I’ve always been interested in humans. I love being able to be part of people’s stories and be a witness to everything. The trust that people put in my hands is very important to me. I feel honored. Even when I was a kid, I was always an advocate. I fought for everyone’s rights; even at five years old, if someone were bullying someone, I would stand up for them. My grandparents nurtured that in me. My father was a freedom fighter for the revolution, so fighting for your beliefs is in my blood. As I grew older, being so sensitive to humans and what they’re going through and internalizing a lot of what their feeling became a lot for me to take in. There was a lot of change and upheaval when I was growing up. I really was in a dark place, and there was a lot of trauma. There were many things I couldn’t cope with at a young age. I’m so grateful that my own son’s outlook and worldview on life, and on mental health and humans, is so different than what my worldview was at his age.
My school counselor was the main influential person who steered me toward counseling. Her name was Mrs. Bunch. She came up to me and yanked me by the arm, and she just stood there and looked at me as if she was looking into my soul. Being the human that I am, I panicked. I went mute. I wasn’t used to having a voice or to speaking my thoughts. She said, ‘Whatever it is, it won’t matter in five years.’ I was so good at being invisible, but she could sense I was struggling. For her to see straight through me struck me to the core. On top of that, she made me feel like I could change things for myself. I started taking the steps I needed to take to get out of the situations I was in. I knew without the shadow of a doubt I wanted to do that for others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, though most paths that hold meaning and purpose rarely would be described as such. I’m a trauma therapist. I chose this profession because of personal experience and knowing there were many things to heal from, like attachment and identity issues. Some parts of my identity felt like they didn’t belong, even in my own family. I knew I had to heal that discrepancy before I could heal others. From an early age, I integrated myself into services where I could help people feel less alone in their own community. Not just in a sense where their appearance would not reflect those around them but also in perspective, behavior, or standards that felt unattainable. Helping my peers feel accepted, and a sense of belonging became my drive long before I knew of the profession, reflecting my passion and my purpose.
Once I became a therapist, I bounced around different hospitals and group homes, trying to figure out what worked for me. I created my own practice where I did individual counseling and offered empowerment groups where women could be women. I met a colleague, Shalon Irving, who was the co-author of my first book because she would come to these groups. Two years into our professional relationship, she said, ‘We’re gonna write a book, and you’re going to do what you do here, but for everyone.’ The book is about your sense of identity and creating that strong sense of undeniable joy. This book gives people the courage to be vulnerable, too. It’s the first of eight books.
I have had my private practice for a little over 12 years now, and in the past eight years or so, I have seen a rise in the need for advocacy in human rights, and I became involved in helping those who survived human trafficking. I went back to school for my PhD for the purpose of having greater credibility and standing in the legal system. Balancing a full private practice, the business, full-time school, and two teenage boys has given new meaning to scheduling and carving out time to ensure everyone feels valued and loved, myself included.
As you know, we’re big fans of North Star of Georgia Counseling & Consulting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or overwhelm. At North Star of Georgia Counseling, I offer open, sincere, nonjudgmental, and culturally aware counseling services geared towards finding ways to cope and address emotional stress.
Our goal is to help you find peace and ways of managing worry through positivity and honesty. I view my clients as those in search of some type of change in their lives. Together, we work towards growth by identifying the issues involved, establishing goals, and becoming increasingly aware of reoccurring patterns that prevent growth. As awareness of one’s fears, perceptions, desires, and strengths increases, we are able to make successful life changes. Self-awareness by becoming more honest with ourselves can initiate the authenticity that often results in healing, transformation, and a fuller life. As individuals exist within cultural contexts, which heavily influence all facets of who we are, including our worldview, relationships, decision-making, and identity, I strive to utilize cultural sensitivity in my practice.
My primary style is trauma-focused therapy and solution-focused therapy with adults and adolescents to empower and directly address each individual needs. I often utilize play therapy for children to help them better understand their own ability to solve problems and find their potential. I provide my clients with a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free environment because I believe a good relationship and trust are essential for change and growth. I work successfully with clients addressing most life issues, including family and relationship problems, self-growth, depression and anxiety, life changes and adjustments, grief, abuse, and trauma.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe in making one’s own luck and embracing life as it comes- even when it slaps you across the face. I believe in making connections and building trust with others to create the life that you want. The success I have achieved has been through tenacity and sheer determination. I have put in the hours and leg work to get my career and education where it is now, and certain elements of my background, such as being a woman, mother, and culture, have not made the path easy. Every step has been intentional and based on a rapidly evolving plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.northstarofgeorgia.com, www.habibazaman.com
- Instagram: @northstar_georgia
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/northstarofgeorgia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@habibazaman3940
Image Credits
Brenda Lajoan Photography
