Therapists in Marina Del Rey, CA

Let's face it- Whatever you are going through and whatever is bringing you to seek a therapist, it is probably not fun. Whether it is a break up, a divorce, a job loss, a death of a loved one, you have come to the right place. Seeking therapy and gaining self awareness can be life changing. Whether it is a current life crisis or the desire to change old ugly repetitive patterns, my style is nurturing, directive and fun. I work with you as a team getting to the core of the problem, and to help you move forward, hopefully with a fresh and new perspective.

BRINK OF BREAKUP OR DIVORCE; INFIDELITY; PARTNER BETRAYAL; DECEPTION, LIES, SECRECY; NARCISSIST TRAITS; CODEPENDENCY; TOXIC LOVE ATTACHMENT: Can you bounce back and heal from partner infidelity or betrayal? Can you feel better and rebuild trust again? Can your relationship or marriage become stronger and more connected after the devastating discovery of infidelity and betrayal? ABSOLUTELY! Majority of relationships not only survive infidelity, but many relationships & marriages can become stronger and more intimate after undergoing infidelity couples counseling/coaching process with a competent couples therapist/counselor/coach.

Are you uncomfortable in social situations, or experiencing conflict in important relationships? Do you struggle with unwanted habits? My practice is dedicated to assisting you to resolve emotional and behavioral issues that interfere with optimal functioning. By acquiring tools to help manage your moods and feelings, you can loosen compulsive patterns and achieve greater self-acceptance. I work collaboratively with my clients and strive to develop a partnership that begins with listening.

You are welcome to positively change your life. Dr. Malika is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with clients in the entire state of California. Dr. Malika offers a safe space of unconditional positive regard for you to totally be yourself, as you explore your thoughts and feelings. Dr. Malika has worked in the areas of child development, parenting, addiction treatment, couples therapy, premarital counseling, non-monogamous/Polyamory, LGBTQIA, foster-care/transitional aged youth issues, homelessness, issues pertaining to systemic racism, as well as joined alongside clients overcoming anxious and depressive symptoms.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience providing impactful, intelligent, and compassionate therapy to clients of varying ages and presenting concerns. I utilize a collaborative and engaging style to create a space for therapy to become an expansion of how clients perceive their struggles in a broader view. I am certified in EMDR therapy which is an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, and for when people feel stuck in other treatments. I also provide individual, family, and couple's therapy.

We all benefit from a place where we can go to get wisdom, guidance, and support for our transformation, a place that nourishes and nurtures our soul and spirit. There are times in our lives when this becomes an imperative, when we are looking to breakthrough a major block or navigate an intensive period of transformation and want to dive deep beyond what we access in our everyday. Other times we are simply inspired by some inner calling to reach towards something more. Learning how to engage in this courageous work is the key to creating what we want and loving what we have. This is what I offer.

Having had a prolific 25-year career in the entertainment industry, I can personally understand what contributes to depression, anxiety, and a compromised self-esteem. Through talk therapy, a perception shift and changing the narrative we tell ourselves, I believe we are all capable of having the life we deserve. We don't have to be defined by our past, our fears or that negative self talk. My approach to therapy is one of complete honesty, directness and a little sarcasm/humor when appropriate. I believe we are all capable of having the life we want, getting out of our own way, and getting closer to our goals.

If we are lucky in this life we will experience many inner deaths, each an opportunity to shed parts of self, to embrace our own expansion, and enter the next dimension of life. If we fail to die, we fail to grow. We have lost the ritual container that holds our rites of passage and without the containment and guidance that goes with it many of us feel lost, hopeless, deficient in some way and without a sense of belonging. Therapy in the depth tradition has become a space to compassionately witness and accompany individuals in the alchemical process of healing and growth.

I’ve learned that the richest experience in life is realizing and understanding one's emotional self. Once we gain this knowledge, we can begin to realize and understand our self-experience and how much the emotional self and the rational self, play-out in our daily lives, and the importance of balancing our emotional and rational selves. My interest is to help you understand not only the present symptoms and issues you may be experiencing, but also to promote the idea of a more meaningful life. I provide a safe non-judgmental environment to explore YOU in the here and now.

Perhaps no one can ever inhabit fully the lived experience of another, nor would I presume that I could know it, yet our therapeutic relationship can—without disrespecting the integrity of your lived experience—present the opportunity to take your perspective. I hope to imagine your experience because, as Carl Jung articulates: “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you," and in the memory of childhood’s loneliness and solitude, creative power resides.

I have been trained in a unique approach called Process Work, developed by Dr. Arnold Mindell. Process work is a dynamic and transformative approach which uses Jungian psychology, Taoism and physics. It offers new ways of working with problematic or painful experiences. Relationship challenges, physical symptoms, career conflicts and social tensions are approached with curiosity, respect and creativity. In using process work, I believe that the solution to a problem is contained within the disturbance itself; and I provide practical ways through which individuals, couples and groups can connect with a greater awareness.

Holistic Therapy for Adults: Are you wanting more than typical talk therapy? Imagine truly feeling seen and understood. Working with a therapist who helps create a safe space to navigate self-exploration, heal past trauma, connect with your unique gifts, integrate your spiritual beliefs and practices, and blend a mind, body and spirit approach throughout your treatment. Here we will reconnect with your inner child, face and learn from your shadow patterns, and support you to be the highest and healthiest expression of yourself. It does not matter how long it has been, a healing therapeutic relationship can be life changing.

Choosing the right therapist is an important process and can impact your therapy experience immensely. I aim to be straightforward and practical, while providing a relaxed and natural flow. My approach is collaborative and integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness to provide relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma. I help people with life transitions, relationships, work stressors and family life. I am also a sport and performance psychologist and mental performance coach. I have worked with individuals and teams for over 15 years to fine-tune their ability to thrive and succeed at the highest level.

I am interested in seeing anyone who needs help with major life transitions or who is in the midst of a life crisis. I also encourage people who are not in crisis but interested in improving the quality of their life and to enhance their overall well being. Besides being in private practice I have also worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. I believe in using an eclectic approach, with a multitude of modalities, to help people, in a safe setting, clarify their issues, gain greater insight and assist them in finding their own solutions and coping skills. Most of my clients report feeling better in a short time.

As a strengths-based therapist, I am here as a warm and compassionate partner to walk alongside you through some of life's most difficult challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, process, and cope with past pain, present fears, and future uncertainties. I provide empathy, insight, and a fresh perspective, as we sort through the muck of life together, and you discover your own inner strength and power. You experience healing hope. I'm highly intuitive, coupled with an open heart, and experience working with a range of emotional issues to help guide you toward leading the fulfilling life you desire.

I create a confidential space for you to safely explore your mental health concerns & gain practical tools to apply to your daily life. I offer short- & long-term therapy. I collaborate with you to understand your needs & goals. Then I create a treatment plan that is unique for you, based on what you need. I teach tools that have been proven to work in the past for my clients or for me. My clients tend to struggle with anxiety, depression, self-comparison, body image/EDs, trauma, abuse, substance use/addiction, relationship issues, spirituality questions, lack of self-esteem/confidence, stress, setting boundaries, & communication.