Dr. Nazeer Zerka II, LCSW

Dr. Nazeer Zerka II is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and struggles with self-esteem. He also supports those dealing with ADHD, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, and workplace or career challenges. His work includes concerns such as eating and sleeping problems, anger, bipolar mood concerns, and compassion fatigue.

He practices with a straightforward, down-to-earth style. Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. He blends practical tools with listening so people leave with clear steps they can try between meetings.

Dr. Zerka uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice patterns of thinking and change unhelpful behaviors. He also draws on client-centered methods to keep the session focused on what matters to each person. Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used when clients need emotion regulation and present-moment strategies.

Clients benefit from nine years of clinical experience and a background that values lived experience alongside formal training. He aims to meet people where they are and to make therapy understandable and useful. Humor and direct feedback are part of his approach when appropriate.

Outside clinical work he enjoys basketball, weightlifting, yoga, and reading. He is based in Indiana and conducts sessions in English.

Approaches and how online therapy can help

Dr. Zerka blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered approaches in online sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, depression, and patterns that cause distress. Client-centered work emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental conversation where the person sets priorities and the therapist follows their lead. He also incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when emotion regulation and coping strategies are needed, offering concrete techniques for managing strong feelings.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try strategies, and adjust the plan together based on what helps most. That collaborative testing makes it easier to land on techniques that fit a person’s daily life and values.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging which allow flexible ways to connect. Video sessions are useful for face-to-face conversation and teaching skills, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and chat or text messaging can support quick check-ins or brief coaching between longer appointments. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, school, or family obligations while keeping the focus on practical skills and progress.