About Psychologist for Parenting
Evidence-based support for your most important job: raising children.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide parents with evidence-based tools and support to navigate the challenges of raising children. We believe that every parent deserves access to reliable information and compassionate guidance.
Meet Dr. Z
Dr. Michael Zakalik is a licensed child psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with diverse populations of children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Dr. Z has provided comprehensive psychological services across various settings, including residential facilities, public and therapeutic day schools, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient clinics, consistently helping children and families navigate complex challenges. Currently, Dr. Z maintains an active clinical practice and serves as a clinical supervisor at Smart Love Family Services, a respected non-profit organization in Chicago, where he trains and mentors emerging therapists in evidence-based practices.
Licensed in both Illinois and Washington state, Dr. Z is also a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact), which authorizes him to provide telepsychology services across 43 participating states and jurisdictions. This expanded reach ensures that families nationwide can access quality psychological care regardless of their geographic location.
Dr. Z believes in helping make the world a better place to live in, finding that being thoughtful and caring is one of life's greatest pleasures. He occasionally provides webinars and live presentations to parents, educators, and mental health professionals when opportunities arise to share knowledge that can strengthen families and communities.
The creation of this website reflects Dr. Z's commitment to making psychological insights accessible to all parents. Recognizing that understanding the deeper meaning behind a child's behavior is fundamental to effective parenting, this platform was designed to promote awareness, increase emotional intelligence, and guide parents toward more accurate and growth-promoting responses. Through evidence-based resources and compassionate guidance, the goal is to help parents see beyond surface behaviors to truly understand and support their child's developmental journey.
Dr. Z's Parenting Perspectives
"Raising a child is not about perfection; it's about being present, curious, and willing to learn alongside them. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported for who they are, not just for who we hope they'll become."
— Dr. Michael Zakalik
"Parenting is about connection, not control—when we connect, we nurture trust and understanding. The best gift we can give our children is our own emotional health and well-being."
— Dr. Michael Zakalik
"Effective parenting isn't about always having the right answer, but about being open to understanding and growth. A healthy parent-child relationship is built on empathy, respect, and a willingness to grow together."
— Dr. Michael Zakalik
"Seeking support through parent counseling is an act of self-care and strength, not weakness. This is a judgment-free space where getting help is the first step toward positive change."
— Dr. Michael Zakalik
Our Values
We are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate, and accessible support to all parents. We value collaboration, respect, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
What Families Say About Dr. Z
"Dr. Z helped us understand our teenager in ways we never thought possible. His approach is both professional and deeply caring. Our family communication has improved dramatically."
"Working with Dr. Z was transformative for our family. He provided practical tools while helping us see our child's behavior through a completely different lens. Highly recommend!"
"Dr. Z's wisdom and patience made all the difference during a challenging time with our preschooler. His insights helped us become more confident, understanding parents."
"The resources and guidance from Dr. Z have been invaluable. He has a gift for explaining complex psychological concepts in ways that actually help in daily parenting situations."
"As a single parent, I felt overwhelmed until I started working with Dr. Z. His non-judgmental approach and practical strategies gave me the confidence I needed to trust my parenting instincts."
"Dr. Z helped us navigate our child's ADHD diagnosis with compassion and expertise. His guidance made what felt impossible seem manageable. Our whole family is thriving now."
"The teletherapy sessions were incredibly convenient and effective. Dr. Z made us feel comfortable from the very first session, even through a screen. Technology made quality care accessible."
"Dr. Z's approach to sibling rivalry was a game-changer. Instead of constant battles, our kids now have tools to resolve conflicts. The peace in our home is remarkable."
"Going through a divorce was hard enough, but Dr. Z helped us put our children first and co-parent effectively. His guidance protected our kids during a difficult transition."
"Our adopted child was struggling with identity questions, and Dr. Z's culturally sensitive approach helped our entire family navigate these complex conversations with empathy and understanding."
"Dr. Z helped our family through our teen's anxiety and depression with such compassion. He gave us tools to support our child while also taking care of ourselves during a challenging time."
"As grandparents suddenly raising our grandchild, we felt lost. Dr. Z helped us bridge generational differences and create a nurturing environment while honoring our grandchild's unique needs."