Meet Mirna Malak
M.A.C.P., B.Ed., CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR, EMDR 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.
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. You’re the expert in your own life; my role is to help you uncover your strengths and build lasting resilience.
Clinical Overview
Therapy for Children, Teens & Parents
I bring extensive experience supporting children and adolescents—and collaborating closely with their parents—to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. By combining engaging techniques like Play Therapy and Sandtray Therapy alongside evidence-based strategies, I help young clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem struggles, and boundary-setting. I equip parents with practical tools they can use at home to foster emotional wellbeing and resilience, all within a warm, nonjudgmental space where every family member feels heard and valued.
Therapy for Adults
With adults, I draw on a personalized, integrative approach—blending Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy and Strength-Based methods—to address anxiety, grief, stress management, relationship issues, and more. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) which is highly effective for addressing trauma, anxiety, and stressor-related disorders.
Therapy for Couples
In my work with couples, I often draw from the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to strengthening relationships. This method focuses on improving communication, building trust, and fostering deeper emotional connection. Together, we work on identifying unhelpful patterns, enhancing friendship and intimacy, and developing practical tools to manage conflict in healthy and respectful ways. My goal is to create a supportive space where both partners feel heard, valued, and empowered to build a stronger, more resilient relationship.
Areas of Focus
- 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 Support
- Perfectionism
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
- Sleep Concerns
- Stress Management
- Trauma, Abuse & PTSD
- Work / Life Balance
Therapeutic Modalities
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Narrative Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Play Therapy
- Sandtray Therapy
- Gottman Method for Couples Counselling
- Person-Centered Therapy
Professional Trainings
- EMDR training, Sharon Meredith, EMDR Consulting
- EMDR & Play Therapy: A Multimodal Approach for Children, Ana Gomez, MC, LPC
- Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity: Simple, Clear Guidelines that Maintain Quality of Care and Protect Your Practice, Beth Rontal, MSW, LICSW
- Mastering Differential Diagnosis with the DSM-5-TR: A System-Based Approach, Margaret Bloom, PhD
- 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
- 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
- Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM), AHS
- Access and Privacy Fundamentals for Alberta Public Bodies (FOIP)
- HIPAA Compliance Training
Academic Credentials & Professional Memberships
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
- Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, University of Alberta
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
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.
