Malia Rouvi, MA, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Art Therapist
Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: AMFT 162973
Supervised by Brigitte Ly, LCSW 77077
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Top 3 Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Children & Adolescents
Location: Irvine & Manhattan Beach, CA
Language: English
Fee: Sliding Scale
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance: Cigna/Evernorth, Aetna, & can provide a superbill for PPO plans
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Populations: Children,Teens, & Families
Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Children & Adolescents, Depression, Life Transitions, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, Grief and Loss, Relationship Concerns, Family Conflict, Emotional Regulation, School-Related Challenges, Identity Development, Caregiver Support
Treatment Approaches: Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, EMDR-Informed Interventions
Hi, I'm Malia. Everyone deserves the experience of feeling truly understood, and I would be honored to offer you that space.
I became a therapist because I believe feeling genuinely seen is one of the most healing parts of the work. My hope is that you leave each session feeling lighter, more hopeful, and empowered to move forward, carrying the belief that meaningful change is possible. Whether you come to me as a child, a teen, a parent, or a whole family, I hold a simple truth close: when one person begins to heal, the ripple effects strengthen everyone around them.
My work is grounded in trauma-informed care and family systems, and I draw on CBT, Attachment-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, strengths-based approaches, mindfulness, and EMDR-informed interventions. I meet each person where they are, blending genuine connection with practical tools you can carry into everyday life.
Working With Me
I especially love working with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, life changes, and questions of identity. I also support adults working through difficult experiences, relationship challenges, or healing from the past. Therapy with me is a collaborative space built on trust and authenticity. My goal is to help you build practical coping skills, develop insight, and experience growth that lasts. Even in life's hardest seasons, I lead with hope, helping clients recognize their strengths, build resilience, and grow their confidence to meet whatever comes next.
Supporting Children and Adolescents
Young people do not always have the words for what they carry, and they should never have to face it alone. I create a warm, steady space where children and teens feel safe enough to be themselves, whether they are working through anxiety, a big transition, school-related stress, or questions about who they are becoming. Using developmentally attuned, trauma-informed approaches, I help young clients process their experiences and build the emotional tools that will serve them for years to come.
Healing That Strengthens the Whole Family
A child's wellbeing is deeply connected to the family around them. When a young person feels understood, the whole household feels the difference, and when parents feel supported, children have a steadier place to grow. I work within the family system, helping parents and caregivers understand what their child is experiencing and how to respond with confidence and care. I also support families moving through conflict, life transitions, and the ordinary strains that test connection. Every family deserves a safe place to grow, connect, and belong together.
What Sets My Work Apart
I believe meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. I work alongside my clients rather than above them, combining authentic connection with concrete strategies that support growth. Above all, I lead with hope. My deepest hope is that you leave therapy feeling more understood, more empowered, and more confident in your ability to navigate whatever life brings.
Education & Training
Malia earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. During her clinical training, she provided therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in a community mental health setting, supporting clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, family systems, and evidence-based approaches including EMDR and Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), in which she has received training.
Quote
"I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves the experience of feeling truly understood. My hope is that clients leave each session feeling lighter, more hopeful, and empowered to move forward with the belief that meaningful change is possible."
Fun Facts
Outside of work, I love traveling and exploring new places, spending time in nature, and hunting down great coffee shops. I enjoy creative outlets like interior design, painting, and photography, and am happiest when working on a new project. You might also find me reading, watching movies, staying active with Pilates, yoga, or strength training, or walking my dogs along the beach.