Pavly Abdelmalek, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Pavly!

I am dedicated to helping you move from just surviving to deeply understanding your behaviors. My approach is direct, intentional, and uniquely tailored to your reality. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, and trauma, helping clients break destructive cycles to find clarity and lasting independence.

My focus

I work with teens and adults navigating the chaos of scattered focus, the weight of trauma, or the fog of fatigue. My clients are often high-functioning but feel stuck or anxious. I am most comfortable treating ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and depression, while also navigating the complexities of cultural identity and life's general heaviness.

My approach

I do not rely on rigid textbook methods or act as a "nod-and-smile" therapist. Instead, I provide a direct, action-oriented approach tailored to your specific needs. We move beyond simple venting sessions to target the root causes of your distress. Our work is focused on building a genuine therapeutic alliance to ensure measurable progress.

My communication style

I cultivate an environment that is safe but exceptionally candid. Working with me doesn’t feel like sitting in a classroom or a passive venting space; it is a place of action. You can expect a direct, intentional dialogue where you are heard and respected, but also challenged to strive for efficiency, self-insight, and tangible change.

My journey to mental healthcare

As an immigrant and a person of faith, I am intimately familiar with the nuance of navigating different worlds and complex identities. This drove me to create a space where emotional pain is met with real understanding. I am driven by the goal of helping clients fortify their inner strength so they are eventually ready to leave therapy behind.

My goals for you

Goal setting in my practice is highly collaborative and action-oriented. We define what "better" actually looks like for your specific reality. Our objectives are always anchored in achieving clarity, efficiency, and lasting independence, equipping you with practical tools so you can leave therapy feeling capable, calm, and fully in control.

Our first session

Your first session is about establishing a genuine therapeutic alliance. We will assess if we are a strong fit and begin unpacking the root causes of your distress. Expect a direct conversation where I listen to your story without judgment, outline how we can tackle the fog of overwhelm together, and set clear expectations for our work ahead.

I identify as...

Male
Middle Eastern
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Behavioral Activation

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Christian Counseling

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)

+ 8 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English, Arabic

Education

Master's in Counseling (MC) in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist College.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Pavly Abdelmalek