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Angelique Zaks – Staff Spotlight

Introducing Angelique Zaks, a Primary Therapist at Guardian IOP, which offers intensive outpatient programs for mental health and substance use disorders.

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My Journey to Guardian.

I actually heard about Guardian Recovery at my previous workplace, where my peers spoke really highly of Guardian. At the time, I was looking for something new, so I started to do some research. And the more I learned, the more I wanted to work here.

Guardian Recovery has a level of professionalism and seriousness for the craft of clinician that I really value and was always looking for. I also love the element of quality over quantity that the organization prides itself on. I feel like there is a space for staff —and for clients—to breathe, to get comfortable, and to really do the work.

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What I Do

I work as the primary therapist for most of the clients at the New Brunswick IOP and for as many clients as needed in Hoboken. I conduct individual and group sessions and have been working on the curriculum for building more integrated group topics for the substance use track. 

I also do intake assessments for new clients. I like to be the face clients see when they first come in and to orient them to the program. It’s such a privilege to do that.

When it comes to working with clients, I ask myself every day, “What does my client—or the group—need?”. I determine my session topics for the day based on the answer. For example, if a client needs more support, I will engage the family to take part in a session.

What Helps Clients Most

The degree of family involvement is different than I’ve seen in other places. For example, we have a family support group that’s comparable to Al-Anon, which is an excellent option. We really make it challenging for family members not to be present. They have to actively choose not to participate, as opposed to actively working to participate. And I really value that about Guardian Recovery. I think it’s a unique, family-centric approach.

Addiction is a family disease, and recovery is a family remedy. Guardian Recovery works hard to impact everyone in the vicinity of the client. So educating people not only builds connection but also keeps that client safe, grounded, and on track. Essentially, it creates increased accountability and motivation, because if the family is excited and motivated, then it keeps the client motivated too.

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About Me

  • The best part of my gig is …  seeing people grow and change into the person that they want to be.
  • When it comes to work accomplishments, I am most proud of … my advanced knowledge of clinical skills and interventions and my ability to explain technical concepts in plain language that people can understand.
  • What makes me want to come to work everyday is … every day is interesting and different, and I really value that. There is a lot of variability, and sometimes, that can be scary. But it is also motivating because it makes you think about how you can help. Each of us can change things for the better.
  • “Me” time is for …  the alternative arts scene around New Jersey and New York. I’m a painter and an artist, and I love doing art shows at different venues as well as online. I also love concerts, movies, and learning new things. Plus, I’m writing a book that’s kind of based on many of my experiences as a student. In addition to that, I’m trying to continue my education.
  • My secret talent is … being a DJ. I’m into any electronic music, but my passion is 90s house music.
  • The quote I live by is … “Things that are worth it in life never come easy.”
  • If someone were hesitating about entering treatment, I would tell them … people always regret not doing it, but no one ever regrets doing it.
  •  

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Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:

Ryan Soave

L.M.H.C.

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.

Written by:

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Trisha Giramma

Trisha Giramma is an award-winning health and wellness writer and book editor with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing and communications. She writes web content, blog posts, and patient education materials and has coached more than 40 new authors in developing their nonfiction manuscripts since 2020. She has also edited numerous fiction manuscripts. Trisha lives near Asheville, NC, with her man and their rescue mutt, Patty.

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The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Guardian Recovery aims to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health disorders by offering fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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The content on this site is believed to be current and accurate at the time of posting, but medical information is constantly evolving.
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