Malin McKinley LCSW
(805) 214-8262
Malin McKinley, LCSW
Anxious, overwhelmed or feeling lost? I can help.
Welcome to my practice. Good for you, taking the first step towards changing something in your life that does not serve you. If you are looking for a therapist, it means that you want something different for yourself. Often times it means you want to feel better or have better relationships. I would be honored to work alongside you as we figure out together how to get you unstuck. We will build on your existing strengths, and return you to the level of life-quality you are wishing for.
My clinical training, life experience and passion have led me to specializing in working with women who are dealing with trauma, anxiety and/or depression.
If you are experiencing anxiety, you have a difficulty saying no, not able to put down boundaries, or you are a people pleaser, I can help! If you are experiencing feelings of sadness, not feeling good enough or that others seem to have life figured out but you are still struggling. Maybe feeling like something is wrong with you? I can help!
Most women I work with have experience with trauma, whether it in your childhood or more recently as an adult, I can help. I am certified in EMDR which is a best practice trauma treatment and together we can process what happened to you so it does not affect your daily functioning or your current relationships.
If you are a new mama who is feeling completely overwhelmed, anxious, sad and thinking this is not at all what you were expecting, I can help. I am trained in maternal mental health and I have two children of my own. I too experienced post+partum depression and anxiety with the birth of my first child. It can be devastating, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and I would like to help you get there.
About Me
My name is Malin McKinley and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience working in private practice as well as in community mental health. I have worked with individuals, families, adolescents and children. I graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Welfare. I utilize a variety of therapy modalities depending on the issue and the person. I have extensive training in modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , schema therapy, behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and exposure response prevention (ERP). I am also EMDR certified.
I was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden which led me to grow up with a very strong sense of community. It is my personal and professional belief that we all want to feel like we belong. However, mental health issues such as negative thoughts, anxiety, and depression make it almost impossible for us to feel like we are a part of a community. Instead, we feel alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and sad.
My treatment philosophy is deeply grounded in attachment theory which guides treatment and my interactions with my clients. I am here to make sure you know you are not alone and to provide a space where you can do the work and know you have what it takes within you to heal.
As a therapist, I see myself as a change agent, and I will work hard together with you to bring about the change you want to see and the relief you want to feel. I would be happy to set up a free phone consultation to see how we can get you going and experience symptomatic relief as soon as possible.
Call to set up appointment or a free phone consultation (805) 214-8262.
'Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”"
Brené Brown
Services
Anxiety & Depression
Did you know anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2019).
The good news is that most anxiety disorders and depression can be resolved rather quickly once you have figured out what combination of coping skills work for you. I am a solution focused therapist and together we will figure out how to work through what you are experiencing so you can start living your life in a way that makes sense for you and where you feel in control.
We will work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behavior. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with the challenges you are facing. I’m confident you’ll find my personalized approach to your needs beneficial and inspirational.
I use a variety of modalities to address anxiety and depression. Based on best practices and what I have found effective from years of experience I find that CBT, interpersonal therapy, behavioral activation and exposure therapy produce the fastest symptom relief and long lasting change.
Motherhood
Finding out that you are pregnant usually stirs up a host of emotions. It is a time full of hope, expectation, and joy. However, for many, it is also a time of anxiety, sadness and difficulty dealing with the changes taking place in the environment, in relationships and also in the body.
Although much is known about postpartum depression and anxiety, there is not as much information or treatment available for expectant mothers. I feel strongly about building a network of providers who specializes in treating and supporting women while pregnant.
The postpartum period is usually defined up to one year after giving birth and it is common for mother’s to feel exhausted, overwhelmed and isolated during this period. There will be times of incredible joy, love and happiness as well of course. If you are suffering from a perinatal mental health disorder or if you are just feeling a bit overwhelmed and need support for a short period of time, I am here to help.
Therapy can be long-term or brief. Common areas of concern include but are not limited to anticipating your baby, infertility, premature birth, a traumatic birth experience, pregnancy loss, adjusting to motherhood, fighting the Baby Blues, postpartum depression/anxiety, prenatal depression/anxiety, bonding with your baby, establishing a new routine, body image issues, role expectations with your partner/family, back to work issues and more.
EMDR & Trauma
" Our brains are wired for connection, trauma rewires for protection" - Ryan North
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment approach that enables you to safely deal with traumatic memories in the here and now. It is a highly researched modality proven to be a highly effective treatment for PTSD as well as for developmental trauma. EMDR targets unprocessed or “stuck” memories that are comprised of negative beliefs, emotions and physical sensations.
EMDR doesn’t require talking in detail about a distressing issue. Instead it focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts or behaviors that result from a distressing experience (trauma). This allows your brain to resume a natural healing process, decrease distressing symptoms and increase the quality of your relationships.
Common Questions
Do you accept insurance?
No, but I can provide a monthly super-bill that you will submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Most insurance will reimburse a percentage of the session fee
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Yes. I keep a few slots a week at my sliding scale rate. However sometimes they are all taken and I will not be able to offer additional ones.
What is your intake process like?
My intake process takes about 2-4 sessions. I will conduct an in-depth assessment to see how I best can support you. We will get to know each other and set up goals to work towards. During this time we will also figure out if I am the best fit for you or if you need other resources.
How long is a therapy session and what is your fee?
A standard therapy session is 50 minutes long. My fee is $195 per session.
Contact Me
I would love help you develop the tools you need to cope with all of life’s challenges. Contact me today to learn more and book a session.
145 Hodencamp Rd. Suite 204
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 214-8262