Mali Austriyak Mikhli , LCSW-R

Mali Austriyak Mikhli has practiced social work for more than 40 years, compelled early on by an understanding of how a competent, empathic, and intuitive therapist can improve a person’s quality of life. She aims to embody that combination of skill and empathy in every therapeutic relationship, providing supportive and psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to each individual's needs.

Her clinical experience spans all ages and life stages and includes work with many different cultures, religions, and lifestyles. She focuses on treatment for PTSD, bereavement, and disruptions and trauma from early childhood, drawing on a warm, interactive style that emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Mali integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with humanistic and psychodynamic perspectives to address both symptoms and the deeper patterns that contribute to them.

Mali holds the LCSW-R credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Registered, reflecting her professional training and licensure. She acknowledges the courage it takes to pursue a more fulfilling life and approaches the work with the goal of supporting and empowering people as they take those first steps toward change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Mali draws on client-centered therapy, which prioritizes a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship that helps people explore their feelings and clarify their goals. This approach is useful for those seeking greater self-understanding, improved relationships, or help navigating life transitions.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical, skills-oriented method that helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns often involved in anxiety, depression, and trauma reactions. CBT is useful for managing symptoms and developing coping strategies.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) appears in her approach as well, focusing on understanding and reshaping emotional responses within close relationships to improve connection and reduce distress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Mali works with people to assess needs, goals, and personal preferences and tailors techniques accordingly so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of care across locations while working with licensed professionals and therapists experienced in delivering effective treatment remotely.