Courtney Maliakkal, Doctoral Intern

My Background:

I grew up in Toronto, Ontario with a deep passion for connecting with others, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree in Psychology. Throughout life, loved ones have naturally gravitated towards me because of the qualities I offer them – a non-judgemental and supportive space, and empathy amid the shared human experience. 

I embarked on my academic journey at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Southern Florida, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. During this time, I gained valuable experience working with adults in substance use recovery and contributed to community psychoeducation efforts with a non-profit organization focused on eating disorders. Following my undergraduate studies, I joined a start-up private practice, where I discovered a passion for composing mental health blogs and engaging with the community, sparking a newfound creative side and profound satisfaction from community interaction. Subsequently, I pursued a doctoral program at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, attaining a Master of Arts and deepening my exploration of human behavior. Here, I found a resonance with humanistic and exploratory therapy, witnessing firsthand how clients play an active role in their own transformative journeys. 

My professional path has encompassed diverse roles, including working with high school students in the local school district, contributing to a full-model Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) team, involvement in quantitative studies, mental health blog writing, and administering comprehensive psychological assessments. These experiences provided a robust foundation, equipping me with skills to handle a wide spectrum of presentations, including crises. Driven by a commitment to ongoing education and an open stance towards feedback, I am dedicated to continuously enhancing my skills and knowledge. This multifaceted journey and my steadfast dedication highlights my collaborative, client-centered, and evidence-based approach. 

At the core of my practice is creating a therapeutic space where I compassionately engage with clients to navigate both the challenges and joys of life. With a diverse professional background, I have worked extensively with adolescents, adults, and parents in various community and private practice settings. My expertise lies in offering individual and group psychotherapy, along with conducting thorough psychological assessments to support comprehensive client care.

A Few Fun Facts or Interests: 

Beyond professional practice, my philosophy extends to integrating the therapeutic techniques I advocate for with clients into my personal life. I prioritize maintaining a structured sleep schedule, dedicating quality time to loved ones, exploring new countries to expand cultural awareness, attending weekly pilates sessions, and finding solace with my dog, Oakley! I believe that aligning intentions with behaviors is fundamental to achieving goals. By integrating both my professional and personal identities, I strive to show up for clients authentically. 

With the opportunity to understand and support you on your unique life journey, whether seeking short-term or long-term care, I hope I can provide you with the qualities I similarly offer my loved ones: non-judgmentalness, empathy, and compassion.