Malin McKinley LCSW
(805) 214-8262
Services
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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
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment approach that enables clients to safely deal with traumatic memories in the here and now. It is a 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 therapy 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 physical symptoms and disruptive patterns in your relationships.