Sarah Malak (she/her/hers)

LCSW, Registered Play Therapist, EMDR Certified Therapist
Accepting Clients

Hi! I'm Sarah, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist, and EMDR certified therapist. I provide online therapy to teens and adults in IL.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , IL

Services
  • Individual
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Panic? Sadness you can't shake? Intrusive thoughts? Angry and not even sure why? Feeling like a failure when others say you're not? I work with many clients with symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, depression or other mood disorders, anger, and trouble focusing. I enjoy working with teens and adults who may be having trouble with life changes, intrusive thoughts, trouble in relationships, and those who are trying to figure themselves and life out.

My Background and Approach

In our work, I'll help you get the tools needed to help you manage anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma reactions, and then we'll get to work getting into the deeper stuff that keeps these thoughts, feelings, and related behaviors going (frequently trauma). I use a mix of techniques, but primarily those include EMDR, IFS-informed, CBT, a little DBT, play therapy, etc. I aim to provide a supportive space where my clients feel safe to explore those things that are bringing them to therapy. So often as we grow, we lose track of playing or using our imaginations (for good, at least!), so I aim to incorporate these into coping, healing, and self care. My clients tell me they enjoy my sense of humor and down-to-earth nature.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe that people are capable of change, of taking the old coping strategies that no longer work for them and finding different, perhaps healthier ways to deal with the stress life throws at us. Just because you've carried it this far, doesn't mean you can't put it down now. Your trauma is valid and there is no competition. So many folks preface their stories with "I know I didn't have it that bad, but..." and I'll just stop you right there. You matter. Your experiences matter. Also, I am an ally with the LGBTQ+ population and am all for dismantling racism and the patriarchy. While I know I don't know firsthand what LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks experience or endure day in and day out, I am honored to walk along that path with you. I am neurodivergent affirming as well.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Internal Family Systems Play Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Attachment Theory
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Family Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Trauma Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Depression Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Other Issues
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Child Issues
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief or Loss
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Parenting
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Teen Issues
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Multiplan
  • Optum
  • Blue Choice
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • United Healthcare
  • Healthlink
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Health Alliance
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna PPO
  • Optum Health
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 14 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $200/session

Info

Email Sarah
Telehealth Only
, IL

Reach out to Sarah