True strength isn’t defined by a life untouched by setbacks or born without struggles. It’s embodied by those who courageously face and overcome every storm and challenge determined to break them, emerging resilient and unbroken on the other side.

True strength isn’t defined by a life untouched by setbacks or born without struggles. It’s embodied by those who courageously face and overcome every storm and challenge determined to break them, emerging resilient and unbroken on the other side.

About Me

I am Palak Malik, an Abuse Recovery Professional and a Ph.D. scholar in Psychology. This topic is deeply personal to me. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the impact of dysfunctional family dynamics and cultural aspects in an environment that often encourages a people-pleasing mindset, particularly in the context of Indian culture.

Despite excelling academically, achieving scholarships, and clearing competitive exams, I still struggled with self-esteem. Subconsciously, I attracted individuals who were toxic for me due to my lack of boundaries and past trauma (a concept totally foreign to me then).

Initially, healing from unresolved trauma seemed unfamiliar. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a crucial insight through therapy which focused on inner healing and trauma recovery, that I uncovered the deep-rooted cause. I reached a breakthrough point where I understood that in an environment of abuse, love cannot grow, and personal growth and healing become nearly impossible. I discovered ways to strengthen myself after surviving toxicity in life. I decided to cut off toxic individuals who did not want the best for me.

I’ve observed that by joining the community, engaging with therapists, and interacting with clients, many individuals are caught in a cycle of abuse and facing similar challenges. My mission is to empower them, helping them muster the courage to prioritize their healing. I aim to guide them on breaking free from toxic relationships, discovering meaning, and finding purpose in their lives. Healing is a journey that requires time and discipline to evolve into a better version of oneself—for personal well-being and to impact others positively. I urge you not to suffer in silence. Let’s empower hearts together.

Qualifications

PhD. Scholar (Psychology)
Masters’ in Clinical Psychology
Bachelors’ (Psychology Hons.)

Does this resonate with you?

  • Do you often find yourself feeling numb and disconnected, struggling to express your emotions?
  • Were you consistently met with criticism during your childhood when you expressed your opinions?
  • Have you faced challenges in choosing partners or maintaining relationships that align with healthy love?
  • Do you end up choosing toxic and controlling people?
  • Is anger a source of fear for you, with emotions swinging rapidly and leading to a survival response of shutting down or holding everything in?
  • Do you find it difficult to say “NO,” often overcommitting and sacrificing your well-being?
  • Do you experience loneliness, misunderstanding, or a sense of not belonging, leading to difficulties in forming meaningful connections?

Does this resonate with you?

  • Do you often find yourself feeling numb and disconnected, struggling to express your emotions?
  • Were you consistently met with criticism during your childhood when you expressed your opinions?
  • Have you faced challenges in choosing partners or maintaining relationships that align with healthy love?
  • Do you end up choosing toxic and controlling people?
  • Is anger a source of fear for you, with emotions swinging rapidly and leading to a survival response of shutting down or holding everything in?
  • Do you find it difficult to say “NO,” often overcommitting and sacrificing your well-being?
  • Do you experience loneliness, misunderstanding, or a sense of not belonging, leading to difficulties in forming meaningful connections?

Trauma therapy can be beneficial in

  • Helping your body and mind shift from a survival mode (where you might feel on edge) to a more rational state, bringing a sense of calm.
  • Supporting you in feeling more sure about setting boundaries – that’s like knowing where your comfort zone is and feeling confident in saying ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
  • Teaching you how to stay focused on the here and now, helping you to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings.
  • Guiding you in keeping your relationships healthy and fulfilling, so you feel good about the connections you have.
  • Hitting a reset button on tough memories, helping you process them so they don’t control how you feel now or in the future. Think of it as a toolbox for your mind and emotions, helping you navigate life in a more positive and balanced way.

How can I help?

How can I help?

In my therapeutic approach, I specialize in supporting individuals in overcoming childhood trauma, empowering them to break free from people-pleasing habits, navigate away from toxic relationships, confidently express boundaries, and construct a life filled with genuine fulfillment. My method incorporates a blend of empathy, attentive listening, and direct communication to create a safe space for growth.

In our journey toward holistic development, I recognize and honor the unique path each person walks, steering clear of a one-size-fits-all mindset. Embracing scientifically proven methods, my comprehensive therapy approach acknowledges the intricate connection between the mind and body. To address trauma comprehensively, I integrate various bottom-up modalities, recognizing that a significant portion of our brain’s activity lies beyond conscious awareness.

Understanding the importance of delving into the root causes of trauma, I draw inspiration from Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, emphasizing the transmission of crucial signals from the body to the brain. While talk therapies offer valuable insights, my focus is on bottom-up therapies that work on subconscious rewiring, aiming for genuine self-transformation and recovery by addressing trauma at its foundational level.