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Cynthia Malek

Cynthia Malek

LCSW

New York

Motivational, practical therapy for change

Continue with Cynthia

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, New York / 082979
Experience
14 years
Languages
English
Location
New York

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Focus on motivation
    • Goal oriented
    • Evidence informed

    About Cynthia

    Cynthia Malek is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical, goal-oriented therapy. She uses questions and conversation to help people build motivation and make lasting changes. Cynthia presents herself in a calm, direct way so clients can talk through current problems and choose next steps.

    Cynthia holds a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from SUNY Oswego. She has 14 years of experience working with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship struggles, trauma and depression. She helps clients address related concerns like abandonment, attachment issues, codependency, body image, and guilt and shame.

    Her approach is flexible and draws on several methods to match a person's situation. She uses Motivational Interviewing to support change in behavior, Client-Centered techniques to keep sessions focused on the person's goals, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and patterns. Trauma-Focused and psychodynamic ideas also inform her work when relevant.

    Cynthia practices in New York and brings experience with issues such as domestic violence, substance use, dissociation, and divorce and separation. She aims to create a therapy process that feels understandable and doable for busy lives. She explains options clearly and helps people set practical first steps.

    To begin, she asks people to clarify what they want from therapy and then shapes sessions around those goals. This helps clients move at a pace that fits them while staying focused on concrete change.

  2. How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

    Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way to talk about change. It helps people weigh options, resolve ambivalence, and build motivation for things like reducing substance use or improving wellbeing. Client-Centered Therapy keeps the person's goals and experience at the center and emphasizes listening and empathy to help people find their own direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels useful, then try methods that fit the person's needs. This is a shared process and adjustments are made as understanding grows.

    Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, shorten commute time, and allow a quicker check-in between appointments. It can also let people choose session rhythms that match their schedule, such as shorter check-ins or longer weekly sessions. Licensed professionals can adapt conversations, exercises, and homework to work well across remote sessions, helping clients keep momentum between meetings.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

    Experience

    14+ years

    Listed in

    New York

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of problems does this therapist help with?

    Cynthia works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, and depression. She also addresses related concerns such as attachment struggles, codependency, body image, guilt and shame.

    What is her therapy style like?

    She uses a flexible, conversational style that centers the person's goals. Motivational Interviewing is used to explore readiness for change and CBT and Client-Centered methods help translate that readiness into concrete steps.

    How much experience does she have?

    She has 14 years of clinical experience working with issues including substance use, trauma, and relationship problems.

    What are her credentials and where does she practice?

    She is an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and practices in New York.

    Which languages are supported for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can people from other countries work with her?

    She does not accept international clients at this time.

    How does payment and cost work?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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