Integrative Psychotherapist in Alexandria, Sydney
Counselling, Psychotherapy & Clinical Hypnotherapy
Trauma-informed therapy that combines psychological and somatic approaches to support you in exploring, processing and reconnecting with yourself.
Professional Memberships & Credentials
You do not need to have everything worked out before you begin.
You may know exactly what you would like support with, or you may simply know that something does not feel right anymore. Both are valid places to start. Therapy is warm and personalised, moves at your pace, and Medicare rebates may apply with an eligible referral.
Meaningful therapy begins with understanding you as a person, rather than simply focusing on your difficulties.
- Safety
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Choice
Reasons people reach out
Whatever has brought you here, it deserves space.
People come to therapy for many reasons. You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to ask for support.
Sometimes the starting point is simply: “I do not want things to keep feeling this way.”
Meet Malak
Hello, I'm Malak.
I created Chapter One Counselling because I wanted therapy to feel hopeful, personal and human - a space where you can reconnect with yourself, make sense of what you have been through and move forward in a way that feels aligned with who you are and what you need.
Reaching out and trusting someone new can feel vulnerable. I bring warmth, curiosity and experience to the counselling space, and I will meet you as a whole person rather than defining you by a diagnosis, a symptom or a difficult chapter in your life.
The name Chapter One reflects my belief that healing can involve finding meaning in the chapters that came before, carrying forward what still matters and letting go of what no longer feels aligned.
- 10+
years working in the mental health sector
- 50
minutes in a standard session
- 90
minutes in an extended session
- 2
ways to attend: Alexandria or telehealth
Ways I can help
Therapy shaped around what you need.
There is no single approach that is right for everyone. I draw from evidence-based, trauma-informed and neuroaffirming approaches, adapting our work to you rather than expecting you to adapt to a rigid model.
Trauma-Informed Counselling & Psychotherapy
A supportive space to understand what is happening, develop practical ways forward and explore the deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck, with choice and collaboration at the centre.
Brainspotting
A focused, body-based approach to help process deeper emotional material and create lasting change.
Schema Therapy
Understand long-standing patterns and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
EMDR Therapy
A structured approach to processing experiences that continue to feel emotionally charged.
ADHD Counselling & Support
Neuroaffirming support for executive functioning, emotional regulation, masking and burnout.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
Focused therapeutic work that can be integrated with psychotherapy when it suits your needs.
Social Work Supervision
Reflective, supportive supervision for social workers navigating complex practice.
How therapy can unfold
Integrative therapy, grounded in your individual needs.
Some sessions may focus on navigating what is happening right now, while others explore deeper patterns, memories, beliefs, relationships or the nervous system. Our work can involve both, evolving alongside your needs.
Chapter I
Understand what is happening now
We begin with what life feels like for you today, what you would like support with and what you hope might be different.
Chapter II
Notice the patterns beneath it
Together, we can explore how past experiences, protective responses and repeated patterns may be shaping the present.
Chapter III
Create new ways forward
We build insight, practical skills and choices that support change beyond the therapy room.
What to expect
Taking the first step can be simple.
Step 01: Send an enquiry
Share as much or as little as feels comfortable. Let me know what you would like support with, whether you prefer Alexandria or telehealth, and your general availability.
Step 02: Begin with a first session
The first session gives me a chance to understand what has been happening and gives you space to decide whether the way I work feels like a good fit.
Step 03: Shape the work together
We will regularly review what feels helpful and whether your needs or goals are changing. You are always free to pause or finish therapy when it feels right for you.
Practical information
A few things you may want to know first.
- Medicare rebates
- If you have an eligible Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
- Private appointments
- You do not need a referral to book privately.
- NSW Workers Compensation
- Malak is a SIRA-approved provider for eligible NSW Workers Compensation claims.
- Session length
- Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Extended sessions may be available where clinically appropriate.
- Cancellations
- Please give at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed appointments may incur a fee, as your time is reserved specifically for you.
Alexandria, Sydney
A calm, considered space for therapy.
Chapter One Counselling offers in-person therapy in Alexandria, Sydney, with telehealth appointments also available if meeting online suits you better.
Chapter One Counselling
Located inside the Acupuncture Clinic in Alexandria
Unit 19/36 O'Riordan Street
Alexandria NSW 2015
In-person appointments in Alexandria · Telehealth available
Questions before you begin
A little more clarity before you take the next step.
If your question is not answered here, you are welcome to ask it in your enquiry.
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan. Current Medicare eligibility and referral requirements apply. Eligible Eating Disorder Treatment Plan referrals can also be accepted.
Get in touch
The next page is yours to write.
If you are considering therapy, you are welcome to send an enquiry. Tell me what you would like support with, how you would prefer to meet and when you are generally available.
Prefer email? Contact info@chapteronecounselling.com.au.
Chapter One Counselling is not a crisis service, and this form is not monitored continuously. If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000). For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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