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When life breaks our healthy branches into broken pieces, it can be difficult to see any value past those broken pieces so we hide them, ignore their existence, reject them, or throw them away. We do this as a defense mechanism to protect ourselves.
Instead of knowing what to do with those broken branches, we can misuse what is valuable and necessary for our growth.
At REST, we provide quality psychotherapy and counseling services using different therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-educational Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, and Holistic Therapy to help our clients get past their brokenness and barriers. Our model is to Restore Balance, Educate to Empower, Strengthen to Overcome, and Train to Maintain wholeness, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As your therapist, I realize that no two people are the same and will tailor my therapy to meet your specific needs and those of my other clients. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other issue, I will help you recognize the underlying roots of the problems and assist you in uprooting the barriers. I will build on your potential and current strengths so that you may fully recognize your inner strengths, help you adjust certain unwanted behavior patterns and thoughts, learn different strategies to gain a new perspective of your situation.
My practice specializes in helping children, women, and families with problems as listed below. Our focus is treating individuals and families as a whole. I offer comprehensive services dealing with:
Consulting/Coaching Services:
2008 M.A. from Webster University in Mental Health Counseling/Guidance School Counseling
2002 B.S. from the University of Florida in Psychology
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: MH 15528
Professional Guidance Counselor
Bi-Lingual (Haitian-Creole)
Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapist
No one in the entire existence of this world, as we know it, was ever born into a family, country, race, social economic status, or gender of their choice. However, what’s in our control are the good and/or bad choices we make on a daily basis. These choices can impact our lives negatively or positively. Regardless of the situations we are dealing with, we are ultimately in control of our mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, however, that control of the whole self could get lost intentionally or unintentionally when making some of these decisions.
Both my professional and personal experiences as a counselor have taught me that all challenges can be opportunities for growth and empowerment. I pull from my extensive training and experiences from working with both children and adults to help you see how this mind shift from “problem” to “opportunity” can happen. I have ten years of mental health counseling experience, sixteen years of experience with children and families’ services, and eight years of public school education experience. I have seen the various struggles that most of us go through from all levels and know that I can assist you with whatever you are dealing with.
My goal as your mental health therapist is to assist you in finding balance and peace within yourself to overcome the challenges you are facing. I listen, build on your strengths, help you work through the problem(s), and assist in making those changes that empower you to create a fulfilling life. My approach is to be integrative and collaborative with my clients, to provide them with the necessary tools and skills on how to regain or sustain control of their mind, body, and soul. I am a holistic, psycho-educational, and cognitive behavioral mental health practitioner. I treat each client as a whole person and help them on the journey of discovering their “beauty within” and becoming their best selves. I also practice and provide faith-based counseling and will work with anyone who would be interested in this method of discovering their strengths through faith.
Again, we never made the choice to be born into this world, but every day is a choice to make this our best life, regardless of our circumstances. Helping you find balance and peace through these circumstances in life is my passion. I look forward to working with you in whichever capacity you choose. I am confident that together we can make this your best and most fulfilling life.
Governors State University
University Park, IL
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
American Counseling Association
Association of Multicultural Counseling
Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Florida
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor- Illinois
Past President- Illinois Multicultural Counseling Association
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have over 20 years of providing caring, compassionate, creative and common-sense counseling to individuals, couples and families.
My specialty is working with diverse professionals, children and adolescents, and group therapy/workshops. My work focuses on empowering and helping you to learn and develop the skills needed to overcome the many challenges and obstacles faced on this journey called “life”. Often, we become so overwhelmed with financial, work, school, children and relationship problems, that we suffer physically, emotionally and mentally with an array of symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, weight gain/loss, irritability/anger).
My background and training as a therapist along with my own personal experiences has given me a unique insight into the problems and situations that may impact you. I believe that each individual has the ability to successfully navigate through difficult times and eventually get to peace and happiness. However, sometimes we need a licensed and experienced professional to help us get there. My job is to provide you with a caring and compassionate environment by using holistic techniques that empower and educate you, as we work towards your goals (i.e.; personal or professional).
I look forward to helping you become a more happier, healthier and whole you!
2012 MA From Chicago State University
1981 MA From Eastern Illinois University
1979 MA From Eastern Illinois University
IBAPP International Institute of Black Addictions Professionals (former member)
Volunteer Chicago Department of Public Health (Depression Group Facilitator)
Rush University Hospital Without Warning Alzheimer’s Support Group (Advisory Board Member)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor 18675 (Florida)
Licensed Professional Counselor 178.008705 (Illinois)
National Board for Certified Counselors 30176
My goal as your therapist is to utilize my counseling and extensive life experiences to help individuals reach their full human potential. I have ten years of clinical experience helping to improve the lives of my clients through therapy. I am an advocate of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). This theory teaches that we must first accept our situation in life without bias or judgement, and the need to refrain from unhelpful self-descriptions.
Prior to embarking on a career in counseling, I enjoyed a successful career in the Pharmaceutical Industry, with 27.5 years of sales and sales management experience with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Corporation. This experience taught me that we so often define ourselves by or work, rather than our life/family. The need for work and life/family balance is critical for your mental wellbeing.
I have worked in a variety of settings ranging from elementary school students, to high school students to adults. Adult issues included depression, anxiety, anger, marriage infidelity, employment issues, and sexual identity issues. I also volunteered at the Chicago Department of Mental Health for 6 years. All experience was gathered in a culturally sensitive environment. I specialize in working with African American male issues.
I am quite comfortable working with individuals struggling to overcome issues of grief. I am also quite comfortable with a faith-based approach to counseling; however, we will decide together what is best for you. I look forward to serving you in your mental health wellbeing journey.
M.Ed. Master of Education, Rehabilitation & Clinical Mental Health counseling. Boca Raton, FL
American Counseling Association
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
I believe one of the greatest investments you can make in life is investing in your mental health. Mental Health and well-being are fundamental to our ability as individuals to think, interact, earn a living, and of course enjoy life. My passion to help others reach their mental wellness has grown from my work with those struggling with mental health, life changes, and transitions.
As a therapist, my purpose is to provide a safe place for you to overcome any stressful, confusing, or painful experiences. My approach is to listen and provide individuals with the necessary tools and skills needed to continue on the path of mental wellness. I strive in providing genuine and individualized care, being non-judgmental, and providing confidentiality.
My specialties are career counseling, life transitions, and working with individuals with dual diagnoses and other disabilities. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and their family members who are experiencing life changes (college, job change, divorce, adoption, parenting, and behavioral issues). I consider myself very open and understanding. Also, l can interact and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
My training as a therapist and personal experiences together has given me the tools and resources to be able to provide and support the needs of my clients.
My hope for you, as my client, is that you may reach a purposeful fulfilling life and overall mental wellness.
Currently pursuing Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at The University of Central Florida.
Malaika obtained her bachelor’s in psychology with a clinical track at the University of Central Florida, where she is currently working towards her Masters’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.
Malaika enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, and the young at heart. Her goal is to assist you in your healing process by working collaboratively with you through your issues and finding coping skills that will enable you to find your balance and maintain wholeness mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Many people are still unsure what exactly is and what to expect when it comes to virtual counseling, telemedicine or whatever name you’d like to give it.
With the increase of the current virus, telemedicine has grown expeditiously, people are in need of help and so we have been resorting to technology. Many still are skeptical about and don’t feel totally comfortable with it just yet. But I can assure you its just as effective as face to face.
If you’re wondering if telemedicine is for you and how it works here are a few steps:
Please Use This Form To Send A Message Anytime. Our Staff is Fluent in English, Spanish & Haitian Creole.
