Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, trapped in cycles of unhealthy behaviours, or the impacts of past trauma? Do your emotions lead you to engage in patterns you wish you could break? I can understand these feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and what seems to be uncontrollable, and I'm here to make them easier. If you are looking for clarity on why you feel this way and want to regain a sense of control or stability, now might be the time to reach out to a therapist who can help. Understanding your emotional and behavioural patterns is the first step toward change, and I am here to guide you through this process.
With over 7 years specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma, I have developed an understanding of how these issues can intertwine and complicate one's life. Together, we will explore the roots of your struggles, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to not only cope but thrive. Whether it's managing emotions, overcoming addictive behaviours, or healing from emotional pain, my goal is to empower you with the awareness and resources to move forward confidently. Reach out to discuss how I can support you.
Client Focus
Session Format: Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Men, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Adlerian Therapy Focuses on understanding a person’s sense of belonging and purpose. It helps people overcome feelings of inferiority and create healthier relationships.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Neuropsychology Examines how brain function affects thinking, memory, and behavior. It often involves assessment and rehabilitation strategies.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy Based on Freud’s theories, it explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences. It seeks to bring hidden issues into awareness.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Psychosocial Therapy Looks at how social and environmental factors affect psychological health. It emphasizes relationships, community, and resilience.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Schema Therapy Identifies deep-rooted negative patterns formed in childhood. It combines CBT, attachment theory, and experiential methods for change.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
- Social Constructionist Therapy Looks at how social and cultural context shapes identity and problems. It helps clients create new narratives of meaning.
- Social Learning Therapy Based on the idea that people learn behaviors by observing others. It applies modeling and reinforcement to encourage healthy change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Limited reduced rate / sliding scale slots available.
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Malik Smith MSW, BA, RSW
- Male
- License # 842279
- Licensed in ON
- Practicing Since 2017
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Toronto,
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Forensic Psychology, Ontario Tech University,
Social Service Work (SSW), Durham College
Malik Smith Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in North York, ON and Pickering, ON L1V 1Y3
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
Welcome to my virtual therapy practice! I'm Malik Smith, and I'm here to support you. My goal is to meet you where you are, help you achieve your personal goals, and improve your overall quality of life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health concern, we'll navigate these challenges together.
Our first session will be about getting to know you—understanding what brings you to therapy and how your concerns impact your daily life. This initial meeting sets the foundation for our work together. In our ongoing sessions, we'll focus on psychoeducation, skill development, emotional exploration, and collaboration. I specialize in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, men's issues, self-esteem, social anxiety, social isolation, stress, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. I believe in your inner strength and capacity for growth. Together, we'll uncover this strength, help you navigate tough times, achieve personal growth, and enhance your overall well-being. Book a free consultation and take the first step to a better, more fulfilling life.