Hi, I’m Zaneb—most people call me Z. I’m a mental health therapist and executive functioning coach based in Boca Raton, Florida. I specialize in helping high-achieving professionals, students, families, and couples manage stress, strengthen communication, and reconnect with their values—without burning out.

I also work with children as young as 3, using play therapy and art therapy to support emotional expression and resilience. For teens and adults, I offer walk-and-talk therapy outdoors, blending movement and conversation for a more natural, grounding experience.

My Specialties

I provide support for:

• ADHD (high-functioning & executive dysfunction)
• Anxiety and life transitions
• Relationships and couples counseling
• Self-esteem and communication skills
• Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cultural identity and belonging

While I welcome clients from all backgrounds, I also have a strong passion for working with South Asian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, immigrant, and first-generation clients. This commitment comes from both personal experience and a recognition of how few providers understand these communities in a culturally attuned way.

My Approach

Every client is unique, so my work combines evidence-based therapies with a holistic, culturally responsive perspective. This means sessions feel practical and goal-oriented while also leaving space for deeper self-discovery.

I draw from:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): building mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
• Solution-Focused Therapy: identifying strengths and creating actionable strategies for lasting change.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): increasing motivation and confidence in decision-making.
• Trauma-Informed Care: ensuring a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.
• Culturally Informed Therapy: honoring how faith, family, and culture shape your story.
• Holistic & Mindfulness-Based Practices: incorporating mind-body wellness and lifestyle shifts.
• Play & Art Therapy: engaging children in developmentally appropriate ways.
• Family Systems Therapy: improving relationships, boundaries, and communication within families.
• Behavioral Therapy Techniques: building structure, focus, and healthy habits—especially useful with children and teens.
• Walk-and-Talk Therapy: blending movement and conversation outdoors to create a natural, grounding therapeutic experience.

Whether we’re sitting in the office, walking outdoors, or engaging in creative expression, my goal is always the same: to help you feel seen, supported, and equipped with tools you can use beyond the therapy room.

My Background

I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with a minor in Sociology) and my Master of Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling from The Ohio State University, graduating with high honors. My training at OSU—one of the nation’s top-ranked programs—emphasized clinical practice, community engagement, and evidence-based care.

During my undergraduate studies, I spent two years as a research assistant in the OSU Health Psychology Lab, where I worked on projects exploring culture, minority identity, and health outcomes. That experience shaped my commitment to culturally informed care.

After graduation, I worked as a preschool teacher, developing a strong foundation in child development and emotional regulation. Clinically, I gained experience in inpatient psychiatric care, supporting individuals in acute crisis, before moving into private practice, where I’ve spent the past three years working with children, teens, professionals, couples, and families.

Across thousands of sessions, I’ve learned that growth is always possible when we create space for both compassion and strategy.

Crescent Counseling & Coaching

In 2024, I founded Crescent Counseling & Coaching to create a space where wellness and identity are deeply respected. My vision was to offer therapy and coaching that bridges evidence-based care with cultural understanding and holistic practices.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, neurodivergence, cultural tension, or personal growth, Crescent is a place where you’ll find both depth and direction.

How We Can Work Together

• In-Person: Sessions at One Boca Place in Boca Raton, Florida.
• Online: Virtual therapy across Florida and coaching services available internationally.

Whether you’re seeking traditional therapy or goal-oriented coaching, Crescent offers a space for clarity, resilience, and lasting transformation.