Mr. Bob Zima

When you invite me to speak, facilitate a workshop, or lead a seminar, you can expect a practical experience, engaging, and refreshingly free of clinical jargon.

I don't believe people learn best by being lectured to for hours. Instead, I combine storytelling, humor, real-life experiences, clinical expertise, and interactive discussion to create presentations that are both informative and memorable. My goal is not simply to share information—it's to provide participants with practical strategies they can begin using immediately.

Drawing from my work as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, author, speaker, and educator, I present complex topics related to mental wellness, relationships, communication, conflict resolution, grief, anger management, and personal growth in ways that are accessible and easy to understand.

Participants often describe my presentation style as conversational, candid, thought-provoking, and occasionally satirical. I am comfortable speaking to professional organizations, community groups, faith-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and the general public. Whether the audience consists of ten people or several hundred, my approach remains the same: create a meaningful learning experience that respects the intelligence, experiences, and challenges of those in attendance.

Attendees can expect:
• Relevant and practical content that they can apply immediately.
• Interactive learning opportunities and audience engagement.
• Real-world examples, stories, and humor.
• A collaborative, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere.
• Actionable tools and strategies rather than abstract theory.
• A presentation style that balances insight, encouragement, and authenticity.

Most importantly, participants leave with more than information—they leave with ideas, perspectives, and practical skills that can improve the quality of their lives, relationships, and overall mental wellness.

No fluff. No unnecessary jargon. Just honest conversations, useful strategies, and a few laughs along the way.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, author, speaker, podcaster, and media producer with a passion for helping people improve their mental wellness and quality of life.

I am the author of two books and the producer of two videos focused on grief, loss, and healing. I’m also the voice behind numerous blogs, podcasts, workshops, and educational resources. Through a blend of practical insight, storytelling, humor, and cathartic satire, I explore the challenges of everyday life and the human condition. Much of my work lampoons my own relentless pursuit of self-improvement while encouraging others to pursue growth, resilience, and meaningful change in their own lives.

My journey has included more than its share of adversity. I have lived through the chaos of addiction and now celebrate more than twenty years of responsible consumption. I have experienced financial devastation, bankruptcy, and homelessness. I have survived infidelity and a marriage pushed to the brink of divorce. I have endured the unimaginable loss of two infant children.

Those experiences changed me, but they do not define me.

Along the way, I’ve also backpacked across Europe, chatted with the Pope—in Italian, no less—played basketball with Michael Jordan, been named Illinois Clinical Site Supervisor of the Year, and even had my picture taken with the Stanley Cup. Life has provided plenty of challenges, but it has also offered remarkable opportunities, adventures, and lessons.

I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Since 2006, I have worked in private practice while also serving as a clinical supervisor, program developer, eLearning producer, and compliance manager. Programs I helped develop have received national recognition from JCAHO and NAMI.

Before entering the counseling profession, I worked in advertising, corporate communications, marketing, and broadcast media. My roles included writer, producer, director, host, and creative developer.

I also trained and performed with Chicago’s Players Workshop of Second City and performed improvisational comedy with ComedySportz and ImprovOlympic during the early 1990s. Those experiences continue to influence my counseling style today. I believe humor, perspective, and storytelling can help people navigate even the most difficult chapters of their lives.

Today, through counseling, writing, speaking, and media production, my mission remains simple: help people improve their mental wellness, strengthen their relationships, and create a life worth living.