Zeynep Deniz Ilkova, LMSW

Zeynep Deniz Ilkova, LMSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with a strong academic foundation and diverse experience in both educational and clinical settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the George Washington University, followed by a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in clinical work.

Zeynep has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs. Before pursuing her graduate studies, she served as a clinical assistant at a center specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples. In her recent clinical experience, Zeynep has provided individual, couples and family therapy, to  clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, relational trauma, life transitions, and grief – while integrating behavioral approaches into treatment.  In addition to her clinical experience, Zeynep has contributed as a research assistant at the Center for Prolonged Grief, allowing her to deepen her expertise in bereavement, psychotherapy, and evidence-based treatments. 

Zeynep has received extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) both from Marsha Linehan’s Behavioral Tech as well as directly from Lindsay Chester, LCSW –founder of CBH. Zeynep has also completed trainings in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders, Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT). 

Zeynep’s collaborative approach, background in behavioral therapies and warm, supportive nature helps clients to work toward their treatment goals effectively. Having grown up in Turkey, Zeynep understands the vital role culture and upbringing play in treatment; placing client values and culture at the heart of the therapy process.

Zeynep has experience in treating following areas:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Mood disorders 

  • Eating disorders

  • Substance Misuse

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

  • Grief and Loss

  • Challenges in emotion regulation

  • Relational trauma