Hi, I’m Zaneb—most people call me Z. I’m a mental health therapist and life coach based in Boca Raton, Florida. I help high-achieving professionals, students, and families manage stress, build executive functioning skills, and reconnect with their values—without burning out. I work with clients of all ages, including children as young as 3. With younger clients, I use developmentally appropriate methods such as play and art therapy to support emotional expression and resilience. For teens and adults, I also offer walk-and-talk therapy outdoors, blending movement and conversation for a more grounded, natural experience.

My specialties include high-functioning ADHD, executive dysfunction, anxiety, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem, communication, Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and cultural identity. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds whose needs align with these areas. I also have a strong passion for supporting South Asian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, immigrant, and first-generation clients. While I work with individuals from all walks of life, this is a passion I carry alongside everything else I do—rooted in witnessing the lack of mental health providers from these communities and a desire to offer care that is both clinically effective and culturally attuned.

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 from both programs. My graduate training at Ohio State—one of the top-ranked programs in the country for social work and mental health—emphasized clinical mental health counseling, community work, and evidence-based practice, preparing me to work effectively at both the individual and systemic levels.

During my undergraduate studies, I spent two years as a research assistant in the OSU Health Psychology Lab, where I conducted experiments and contributed to projects exploring the intersection of culture, minority identity, and health outcomes. This research shaped my early interest in culturally informed care and helped me better understand how systemic and environmental stressors affect mental health.

After earning my undergraduate degree, I worked as a preschool teacher, where I developed a strong foundation in child development, emotional regulation, and classroom-based interventions. This experience continues to inform my work with younger clients and contributes to my use of play and art therapy in developmentally appropriate ways.

Before relocating to Florida in 2024, I passed the ASWB master’s-level national licensing exam and became a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio. I've gained direct clinical experience working for one year in an inpatient mental health setting, supporting individuals through acute psychiatric crises, as well as three years in private practice, where I've provided care to a wide range of clients—from children and teens to high-functioning professionals and families navigating complex life transitions.

I now practice as a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker in Florida, offering therapy under clinical supervision as part of the state’s licensing process. This required step toward full licensure ensures I receive ongoing consultation and support—but no one else observes or attends your sessions. Over the years, I’ve facilitated thousands of therapy sessions and supported clients across diverse life stages, experiences, and identities.

In 2024, I founded Crescent Counseling & Coaching to create a space where wellness and identity are deeply respected—whether you're navigating burnout, neurodivergence, cultural tension, or personal growth. Therapy with me isn’t about surface-level advice. It’s about getting honest, understanding what’s beneath the overwhelm, and creating real momentum. My goal is to help you grow into who you were always meant to be—without compromising your peace.

Sessions are available in person at One Boca Place in Boca Raton, or virtually across Florida and internationally. Whether you're looking for traditional therapy or holistic coaching, Crescent is a space for depth, discretion, and lasting transformation.