When Zoe Friedland graduated with a degree in Art Education in 2018, she never imagined her student teaching experience would lead her down a different path—one rooted in empathy, healing, and the power of safe relationships. “All of my favorite parts of teaching were much more aligned with social work,” she reflects. “I loved helping people learn about their own feelings and develop a stronger sense of self.” That realization guided Zoe into the field of mental health.
Today, Zoe is a therapist at SHALVA, a Jewish organization providing support to survivors of domestic abuse. Her role is a unique blend of clinical care and community programming. In addition to working one-on-one with clients, Zoe helps develop trauma-informed workshops that create meaningful, supportive spaces for those navigating relationship challenges.
“I realized that all of my favorite parts of teaching were much more aligned with social work,” she says. “I never really connected with classroom management or learning standards, but I loved helping people learn about their own feelings and develop a stronger sense of self.”
Zoe Friedland, Therapist at SHALVA
“What red flags did I miss?”
“How am I supposed to trust again?”
“Why am I ashamed of my experience?”
Introducing the NEW “Healing from Toxic Love” Series
One of Zoe’s newest initiatives is the Healing from Toxic Love workshop series—designed especially for young adults recovering from painful, confusing, or harmful relationships. “We know how relationships can create a lot of hurt, especially in your 20s,” Zoe says. “These sessions are a low-pressure space to process alongside others who have experienced something similar—guided by someone who can offer a therapeutic understanding.”
THE SERIES DETAILS:
*you don’t need to attend all sessions*
Rewriting My Story: Healing after toxic relationships April 22
Knowing When to Leave: Recognizing red flags & navigating breakups April 29
What Feels Good? Developing healthy communication tools May 6
Meet Zoe Friedland
Zoe brings a unique perspective to her role at SHALVA, blending her clinical expertise as a mental health professional with a passion for community education. As one of SHALVA’s therapists, she maintains a caseload of individual clients while also serving on the Community Education team, where she helps design engaging, trauma-informed programming. One standout initiative is the “Healing from Toxic Love” workshop series, which offers a supportive, low-pressure space for individuals—particularly those in their 20s—to process difficult relationship experiences. These sessions are guided by Zoe’s therapeutic insight and aim to help participants develop healthier, more self-aware approaches to love and connection.
Creating Safety After Harm
Toxic relationships can leave deep emotional imprints. But more than anything, Zoe emphasizes how isolating those experiences can feel. “It can be impossible to explain how you can love someone who is hurting you,” she says. “That isolation makes it even harder to reach out for help. Hopefully with this program, we’re creating a space for people to feel heard without judgment.” Zoe’s work is grounded in connection. “As a therapist, I get to witness powerful moments of transformation. When a client says, ‘No one has ever framed it that way—that’s exactly it,’ I can see the relief on their face. They feel less alone. That’s what sticks with me.”
Advice for Those Seeking Support
Zoe wants people to know that there’s no shame in seeking help—whether you’re currently in a relationship, newly out of one, or trying to date more intentionally. “Toxic relationships don’t discriminate—and they thrive in the shadows,” she says. “There’s no one way a relationship is supposed to look. Letting go of those expectations can open the door to something healthier and more fulfilling.” “SHALVA is here to support you—whether you need one session or one hundred.”
“One thing that always stands out is the isolation,” she says. “Toxic relationships can feel incredibly lonely—both when you’re in them and even after they’ve ended. It can be hard to explain how you can love someone who is hurting you, and that isolation makes it even harder to ask for help.”
Zoe’s Favorite Moments in her Work at SHALVA
“I have had a few moments where it felt like I saw the lightbulb “click” on with clients, where I was able to reflect with them in a way that made their confusion and pain make some kind of sense. When clients say, “No one has ever framed it that way, that is exactly it,” I can see them begin to feel less alone, less unheard. Those are the moments that stick out to me as a clinician.”
Let go of Shame: SHALVA is here to support you
“Let go of shame. Toxic relationships don’t discriminate—and they thrive in the shadows. There’s no one way a relationship is supposed to look. Letting go of those expectations can open the door to something healthier and more fulfilling. SHALVA is here to support you—whether you need one session or one hundred.”
