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Our Services Trauma Therapy Therapy for Empaths & HSPs Grief and Loss Therapy Couples Therapy IFS Therapy Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy Therapy for Teens
Meet Our Team Sharon Yu Sabrina Bolin Gabriella Elise Giorgio Janelle Malak Marina Mendes
 
Janelle Malek

Meet Janelle Malak

As someone who became a parent and changed careers in my late 30s, I understand the challenges of giving yourself permission to evolve. My own therapist helped me navigate the emotional landscape of “beginning again” – it is a frightening, overwhelming place to be, especially in midlife.

I have also experienced attachment injuries and appreciate how such ruptures can impact the way we view the world, our relationships, and ourselves. In my practice, I enjoy helping individual and couples heal attachment wounds, change patterns that no longer serve them. As a humanistic therapist, I relate to my clients with unconditional positive regard and honor them as the experts of their own lives. Clients describe me as warm, genuine, and collaborative.

 

I am an Associate Marriage and family Therapist (#144798) supervised by Sharon Yu, LMFT (#50028). Trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method of couples therapy, I welcome couples who feel disconnected from one another and want to cultivate safety in their relationship.

Informed by Internal Family Systems, I help individuals map their internal worlds and embrace the parts of themselves that have been living in exile.

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My clients work through internal conflicts as they navigate massive life shifts in their careers and relationships.

When we are stuck in patterns that no longer serve us, we feel anxious, depressed, and hopeless. But even positive change can be isolating and overwhelming. My clients want someone to walk beside them as they navigate a new path in life.

They are couples who feel disconnected, despite a deep well of love for one another. They have grown to view each other as the problem and want to feel like they’re on the same team again. 

They are individuals who are burned out in their careers and assessing whether to make a change. They are disillusioned by their dream job, or questioning whether the pursuit of their dream is worth the toll it takes on their lives and relationships.

They are new parents who are struggling to hold the joy of parenthood beside the anxiety of raising a child.

My clients value relationships. Whether seeking therapy individually or as a couple, my clients view relationships as the building blocks of a fulfilling life. They acknowledge that healthy relationships take work and are willing to put in the effort. They crave secure attachments with their partners, loved ones, and themselves.

 
An illustration of a queer couple holding hands. This couple represents couples wanting to use couples therapy to address attachment wounds and major life transitions in Los Angeles, CA.

Therapy with me is compassionate, affirming, and non-pathologizing. In our work together, we will:

  • Explore the parts of yourself that keep you stuck in old patterns

  • Identify and build on your strengths

  • Embrace vulnerability as a vehicle for change and empowerment

Special welcome to entertainment industry professionals, anxious creatives, new parents, and Los Angeles transplants.

Post graduate degree in counseling: Antioch University, Masters in Clinical Psychology

Specialized training(s): Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS/Parts Work) Informed, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy