About Me & Background 

Hello and welcome! My name is Malaina and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). From a young age, I have always been drawn to helping people explore themselves, their emotions, and how they interact with the world around them. My early desire to form meaningful connections with others taught me the importance of attunement in relationships and ultimately led to me becoming a therapist. I deeply value the impact that therapy can have on self-esteem, well-being, and quality of life, and I am honored to have the opportunity to provide that space for you. Whether you’re looking for coping skills or a place where you can authentically show up as yourself each week, I am here to provide you with unconditional support.

I am really passionate about mindfulness practices and connecting with nature. When I’m not in the therapy room, I am at the beach, creating art, hiking a new trail, or enjoying the vibes at my favorite coffee shops!

What Clients Can Expect 

The beautiful thing about therapy is that it will look different for everyone! As there is no ‘correct’ way to be in therapy, we can take everything at your pace and collaborate together on your goals. I believe that you are the expert on yourself and your world. As a therapist, I aim to create a nonjudgmental, warm space for you to learn more about yourself and explore your relationships with others. I believe that a combination of practical life skills, self-understanding, and your relationship with your therapist all serve as a driving force for change both in and out of the therapy room. Each week I will be here to meet you where you are with compassion, curiosity, and respect.

I work with… 

● Individual Adults

● Teens

● Couples

Specialties & Clinical Focus 

● Depression

● Anxiety

● Life transitions

● Stress management

● Emotion regulation

● Attachment and relationship patterns

● Self-esteem and identity development

● LGBTQIA+

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is very eclectic, primarily drawing from the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I also love utilizing elements of art in therapy, too! I operate from a person-centered and trauma-informed lens, tailoring treatment to your needs.

Education 

M.S. in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Long Beach

Accepting New Clients 

Contact and book an appointment with me here. I look forward to connecting with you!