- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Trauma-informed work
About Cynthia
Cynthia Malek is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 14 years of experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, and depression. Cynthia speaks English and works with people who are trying to find direction after big changes or who feel stuck by old patterns.
She trained in social work at Syracuse University and holds a B.S. in psychology from SUNY Oswego. Over more than a decade she has combined several approaches in her work, including client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic ideas, and trauma-focused practices. This lets her use different tools as needs shift.
Sessions tend to emphasize practical steps and clearer patterns in day-to-day life. Cynthia helps people notice how thoughts, relationships, and past experiences affect current choices. She also works with issues connected to attachment, abandonment, codependency, and substance use, helping clients name repeating problems and try new behaviors.
Her style mixes short-term problem solving with deeper exploration of long-standing patterns. That can mean learning skills for stress and mood management alongside talking about formative relationships or painful events. She also addresses body image, guilt and shame, and the practical impacts of divorce or separation.
People who are ready to begin are invited to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session. The first meeting typically focuses on immediate concerns and on planning the next steps.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person in front of the therapist. It relies on open conversation and reflecting back what matters to the client. This approach helps people who need to clarify values or sort through confusing feelings.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going. It uses clear strategies and practice tasks to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful habits. Motivational interviewing is a brief, collaborative method that helps when someone feels uncertain about change, such as decisions around substance use or relationship shifts.
Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review goals, life circumstances, and preferences and then try methods that fit the person’s needs. Techniques can shift over time as progress and priorities change.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm the current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it simpler to continue care after a move or life change while keeping the focus on practical steps and emotional work.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and depression. Additional areas include attachment problems, codependency, and body image.
How would she approach someone feeling stuck about purpose?
She uses a mix of client-centered conversation and practical exercises to clarify values and identify small steps forward. Sessions combine reflection with behavior-focused work.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 14 years of clinical experience as an LCSW in social work settings. That background informs both short-term and longer-term work.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in New York and practices from New York. Sessions are conducted in English.
Can I work with her from another country?
International clients are not currently accepted. Sessions are offered in English for people located within the supported region.
What session formats are offered?
Confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Please check the platform listing to see which meeting types she provides.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.