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COMPREHENSIVE
THERAPY SERVICES
All sessions are available virtually via HIPAA-compliant telehealth statewide. 60-minute appointments. Both Christian and nonreligious approaches available.
MEET ZHANA BALAAM MSW, LCSWA, CSW
At Harkening, you have a therapist who will keep it real, and help you heal.
I'm a black female private practice therapist based in Durham, NC, specializing in couples and sex therapy. I bring both professional expertise and a real, relatable presence into every session — because healing shouldn't feel clinical or cold.
Whether your faith is central to your relationship or not, I meet you where you are. I work with couples navigating conflict, disconnection, intimacy struggles, and more. My style is direct, warm, and completely judgment-free. In our sessions, I'm authentically myself — humorous, professional, and real — and I encourage you to be yourself too.
Finding the right therapist matters. I'm not a generalist. Couples and sex therapy is my specialty, and that focus means you get someone who has gone deep in this work — not someone who dabbles in it between other cases.
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
You love each other. So why does it feel this hard?
Most couples don't come to therapy because they stopped caring — they come because they care deeply and can't figure out why nothing is working.
YOU MIGHT ALSO RECOGNIZE THESE
None of this means your relationship is over.
It means you need a space where both of you can be honest — without judgment, without scoring points, without performing. That's what Harkening is here for. I've worked with couples who came in barely speaking and left with tools, language, and a real reason to stay.
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You'll learn to fight differently — and stop having the same argument
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You'll rebuild trust at a pace that feels safe for both of you
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You'll reconnect — emotionally and physically — without it feeling forced
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You'll feel heard, not just managed, by a therapist who keeps it real
You keep score — and you hate that you do
You remember every time they forgot, every time they didn't show up, every time you had to ask twice. You don't want to be bitter, but you are.
One of you has already checked out — at least emotionally
Maybe you're going through the motions for the kids, for appearances, or because you're scared of what leaving would mean. But something inside already feels gone.
You don't fight — you shut down
The silent treatment. The cold shoulder. One of you goes quiet and the other spirals. Neither of you knows how to break the ice without it becoming another argument.
Touch has become complicated or nonexistent
Physical affection used to come naturally. Now it feels loaded — like an ask, or an obligation. You're not sure who pulled away first, but the distance is real.
You've been hurt and you're not sure you trust them anymore
Whether it was a betrayal, a pattern of broken promises, or something harder to name — there's a wall there now. You want to let it go but you don't know how.
You love them but you don't always like them right now
And the guilt of that feeling is its own kind of exhausting. You remember who you used to be together and you wonder if you can ever get back there.
You've thought about therapy before, but something stopped you
Maybe it felt like admitting failure. Maybe your partner wasn't ready. Maybe you weren't sure a therapist would get your relationship, your culture, or your faith.
You and your partner keep having the same argument and nothing changes
Intimacy has taken a back seat and you don't know how to bring it back
You're in Durham, NC — or anywhere in North Carolina via telehealth
You're navigating sexual concerns and need a shame-free, body-positive space
You want a therapist who's culturally aware and won't make you explain yourself
Your faith matters to you and you want a therapist who respects that
You want a space that's honest, not just clinical and transactional
You're done waiting for things to get better on their own
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
You might be a good fit if...
Harkening is built for couples and individuals who are tired of surface-level fixes and ready to do real work.
OUR PARTNERS
HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
"Therapy with Zhana seemed natural. She made us feel comfortable, safe, and heard. She was down to earth, I really appreciated that. We'd recommend her services to anyone!"
HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
"I would give her a 10 out of 10. She succeeded our expectations. She was knowledgeable, listened, patient, and provided us with tools."
HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
"Hosting the In Her Rightful Place Woman's Conference, we had the pleasure of booking The Harkening Therapist. Her presentation was relatable, interactive, and empowering. I look forward to booking her again next year!"
HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
"Zhana is an extremely insightful, knowledgeable and trustworthy couples therapist, both with Christian and nonreligious couples and a focus in sex therapy. It can feel scary to find someone to trust in these spaces but Zhana instantly makes you feel safe."
