Mali Austriyak Mikhli , LCSW-R

Mali Austriyak Mikhli brings more than four decades of social work experience to her therapeutic practice, guided by a belief in the difference a competent, empathic, and intuitive therapist can make in a person’s quality of life. She practices with a warm, interactive presence and aims to offer supportive and psychotherapeutic interventions that meet clients where they are.

Her work spans all ages and life stages, and she has worked with people from a wide range of cultures, religions, and lifestyles. Mali focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bereavement, and disruptions and trauma from early childhood, applying sensitivity and respect in every encounter. She emphasizes compassion and attentiveness while helping clients navigate difficult experiences.

Mali holds the LCSW-R credential, indicating a licensed clinical social worker qualification. Her clinical approach blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with humanistic and psychodynamic perspectives, allowing for both practical skills development and deeper emotional understanding. She believes taking the first step toward change requires courage, and she offers support and empowerment to those ready to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting therapeutic relationship that helps clients explore their feelings and make choices aligned with their values. It is especially useful for people seeking empathy, validation, and personal growth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and develop practical strategies to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT offers structured tools for making measurable changes in daily life.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotional experience and patterns in relationships, helping individuals and couples process strong emotions and strengthen connections. It can be helpful for relationship issues, intimacy concerns, and attachment-related difficulties.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and the therapist works collaboratively with each client to determine the best fit based on needs, goals, and personal preferences. This collaborative stance allows techniques to be tailored and adapted over time.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule appointments, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations while preserving a consistent therapeutic relationship.