About Malak
Hello, I’m Malak, Psychotherapist in Alexandria, Sydney.
I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Hypnotherapist offering warm, personalised therapy in Alexandria and via telehealth.
In-person in Alexandria · Telehealth available
My story
A space where you can begin as you are.
Reaching out and trusting someone new can feel vulnerable, and taking that first step can require a great deal of courage. I believe therapy should be a space where you can explore your story with curiosity and compassion, without judgement or pressure to fit into a particular mould.
I created Chapter One Counselling because I wanted therapy to feel hopeful, personal and human — a space where you can reconnect with yourself, make sense of what you have been through and move forward in a way that feels aligned with who you are and what you need.
The name Chapter One reflects my belief that healing can involve finding meaning in the chapters that came before, carrying forward what still matters and letting go of what no longer feels aligned. With deeper insight and a renewed sense of agency, you can reclaim your place as the author of your story.
My approach
A space to explore, without expectations.
- Safety
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Choice
You can expect me to be engaged, honest, compassionate and genuinely interested in understanding your experience.
You are welcome to bring uncertainty, humour, frustration, silence, conflicting feelings and all the parts of yourself that may not always feel easy to express elsewhere.
I draw from evidence-based, trauma-informed and neuroaffirming therapeutic approaches, adapting our work according to your needs rather than expecting you to adapt to a rigid therapeutic model.
Some people come to therapy wanting practical strategies and a clearer understanding of what is happening. Others need a safe place to slow down, process experiences or reconnect with parts of themselves that have been pushed aside. Often, therapy involves a combination of both.
Together, we can explore what may be keeping you feeling stuck, find practical ways to navigate life with greater confidence, and make space for healing, self-understanding and meaningful change. My hope is that you feel seen and understood as a whole person, rather than defined by a diagnosis, a symptom or a difficult period in your life.
- 10+
years working in the mental health sector
- 50
minutes in a standard session
- 90
minutes in an extended session
- 2
ways to attend: Alexandria or telehealth
Who I work with
An approach as individual as you are.
I commonly work with adults seeking support with:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Anxiety and chronic overthinking
- OCD and intrusive thoughts
- Trauma and PTSD
- Emotional regulation and overwhelm
- Self-esteem and identity
- Burnout, masking and disconnection
- Sleep concerns and insomnia
Qualifications
A commitment to ongoing learning and thoughtful practice
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Master of Social Work
- Postgraduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counselling
- Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
Currently completing
Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (CPAT™)
Additional training
Ongoing training in trauma-focused therapies.
- EMDR Level 1
- EMDR Level 2
- Brainspotting Phase 1
- Brainspotting Phase 2
- Brainspotting Master Class – Neuroexperiential Perspective
Alexandria, Sydney
Based in Alexandria, with telehealth available.
I provide mental health care from Alexandria, NSW, with both in-person and telehealth appointments available.
Taking the next step
Sometimes a new chapter simply means finding somewhere safe to start.
If you’re considering therapy, you’re welcome to get in touch and share as much or as little as feels comfortable.