MEET MIRNA
Mirna Malak, M.A.C.P., B.Ed.
Canadian Certified Counsellor in Edmonton
Child, Teen, Adult & Couples Therapist
Hello! I’m Mirna Malak, a dedicated Canadian Certified Counsellor at Solace Psychology & Wellness. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. With over 13 years of experience working with children as a teacher, I bring a deep understanding of development and learning into my therapy practice.
I have counselling experience working with teens, couples, and adults, helping them navigate life’s challenges with confidence. I am committed to empowering individuals from all walks of life by equipping them with effective coping strategies and tools to face real-world struggles. My goal is to foster a positive, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients feel safe, heard, and encouraged on their journey toward healing and personal growth.
As Carl Rogers once said, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." I strive to help my clients embrace self-acceptance and growth, guiding them toward meaningful change in their lives.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." - Carl Rogers.
Therapy for Children, Teens, Adults & Couples
Supporting my clients in their healing journey is deeply rewarding, and I am passionate about helping individuals cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, grief and loss, stress management, effective communication, and setting healthy boundaries. I also work closely with parents in navigating counselling for their children, providing practical strategies they can implement at home to foster emotional well-being and resilience.
I take a personalized approach to therapy, tailoring care to each client's unique needs. Using an integrated approach, I blend various treatment modalities to create a meaningful and individualized experience. I primarily incorporate Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and a Strength-Based Approach to support clients effectively. Additionally, I look forward to incorporating play therapy and sand tray therapy to help children express their emotions in a safe and engaging way.
Above all, I strive to create a welcoming, respectful, accepting, and inclusive environment for all clients. I work collaboratively, fostering a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions and challenges freely. I firmly believe that every client is the expert in their own life, and my role is to support them in uncovering their inner strengths and resilience.
A Bit About Me
Outside of my work as a therapist, I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s going on nature walks, exploring new places, or seeking out new adventures. Traveling is a passion of mine, as I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and experiences. Yoga helps me stay grounded and balanced, and I cherish quality time with my loved ones.
I also enjoy cooking and hosting guests. Whether it’s creating a cozy dinner party or a lively celebration, I love bringing people together. Ultimately, I find joy in meaningful connections, new experiences, and embracing all that life has to offer.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
- Addiction & Substance Use
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Attachment Concerns
- Body Image Concerns
- Boundaries & Communication
- Bullying
- Burnout
- Child & Teen Counselling
- Couples Counselling
- Depression
- Divorce/Separation
- Emotion Regulation
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions
- Parenting
- Perfectionism
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
- Sleep Concerns
- Stress Management
- Trauma, Abuse & PTSD
- Work / Life Balance
SPECIALIZED TRAINING & THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Gottman Method
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Play-Based Therapy
- Sandtray Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Mastering Differential Diagnosis with the DSM-5-TR: A System-Based Approach
- Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity: Simple, Clear Guidelines that Maintain Quality of Care and Protect Your Practice
- Creating Diversity in the Practice of Play Therapy: More Than Color, More Than Gender, Marshall Lyles, LPC-S, Carmen Jimenez Pride, LCSW, LISW-CP, PESI
- Helping Children with Grief & Loss, Tammy Schamuhn, R. Psych Institute of Child Psychology
- Anxiety in Children and Youth Practical Intervention Strategies, Marwa Fadol, CTRI
- ASIST 11 - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Centre for Suicide Prevention
- Creative Interventions for Engaging Resistant Children in Play Therapy: “I Don’t Want to Talk About it” Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S, PESI
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for Children and Adolescents: Rescuing the Dysregulated Child, Jean Eich, PsyD, LP, PESI
- EMDR & Play Therapy: A Multimodal Approach for Children, Ana Gomez, MC, LPC, PESI
- Incorporating Caregivers in the Play Therapy Process, Tania Johnson, M.C, R.P.T, Institute of Child Psychology
- The Power of Play, Tammy Schamuhn, R. Psych, Institute of Child Psychology
- Integrating Sand Tray Work into Your Play Therapy, Tammy Schamuhn, R. Psych, Institute of Child Psychology
- Pathways to Attachment Security in Play Therapy, David Crenshaw, PhD, PESI
- Gottman Method, Levels 1 & 2, Jill & Jo Gottman, The Gottman Institute
- Trauma and Recovery, Judith Herman
Academic Credentials
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
- Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, University of Alberta
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)