Zainah Ben Essa, LMHC, M.Ed., MA 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Psychotherapist

Biography

Zainah Ben Essa embarked on her journey to become a therapist driven by a profound awareness of the scarcity of mental health professionals and services in the Middle East. Having grown up in an environment where mental health was stigmatized and seeking therapy was considered taboo, Zainah navigated her own struggles within a family during her teenage years. She decided to venture forward and contribute to the field of mental health with a deep interest in understanding the human mind and fostering meaningful lives aligned with personal values.

Zainah’s experience focuses on serving women from diverse collectivistic cultural backgrounds, primarily working with individuals in their twenties and early thirties. Fluent in Arabic and rooted in the Muslim faith, she brings cultural understanding and sensitivity to her practice. Zainah's therapeutic engagements include both individual and group Therapy, where authenticity and empathy form the cornerstone of her approach.

With expertise in trauma, intimate partner violence, relationship dynamics (attachment styles, communication, boundaries), cultural identity formation, and acculturation issues, Zainah employs a range of therapeutic approaches and interventions, drawing from psychodynamic, inner child work, narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She explores the impact of cultural and systemic factors on clients' self-perception and relationships.

Zainah's unique therapeutic style emphasizes patience and compassion she recognizes that significant changes may require time. She encourages open dialogue, values client feedback, and incorporates their therapeutic interests into the therapeutic process. Beyond therapy, Zainah immerses herself in diverse interests such as reading, participating in book clubs, practicing yoga and Pilates, exploring different corners of the world, cooking nostalgic meals, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Sashimi, her feline companion, adds a delightful layer to her life.