I walk beside you, honoring the courage it takes to explore your inner world and holding space for both the pain and the possibility that come with growth. No two healing journeys are alike, and that is the beauty of this work. Together, we will move at your rhythm, explore what healing truly means for you, and nurture the tools and insight needed for deeper self-understanding, connection, and wholeness.
and get you where you want to be in your healing
My space is intentionally created to be inclusive, affirming, and supportive. Where every part of you is welcome, including the messy, the uncertain, the hurting, and the hopeful. Your story matters deeply here. Your voice leads, and your truth sets the pace.
is to support you
I am an Arizona based therapist but offer virtual telehealth sessions to all clients in the states of Texas and Arizona.
At the heart of my practice is a sacred commitment to being fully human alongside you. Not as an expert with all the answers, but as a compassionate witness and fellow companion. I believe that healing begins the moment we feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. Without judgment, without condition, and without the need to be anything other than who we are.
I'M malaiya ilene liwag, ma, ctp,
LAC, lpc- associate
You don’t have to walk this path alone.
therapist, human, supporter
Under the clinical supervision of Jessica Lambros (AZ), Eric Johnstun (AZ), and Cassie Harlan, LPC-S - 75443 (TX).
Welcoming Clients residing in the states of
Arizona
and
texas
Virtually
in-person
+ Virtually
After moving to California from Texas, where I was born and raised, I dove into my passion and training in Dance. I was a trained studio and drill team dancer from age two, and dance always served as my healing and personal "therapy." It was an outlet that allowed me to feel, express, and grieve everything that happened in my life. I wanted to share that outlet and passion with others by majoring in dance, and wanted to take it one step further with somatic-based practices, which eventually led me to where I am today. I was also awarded the Stewart Prize in Choreography for a dance film I directed combining therapy, well-being, with movement and dance!
IN 2021
GRADUATED FROM university of california, san diego (UCSD)
THE TIMELINE
After the pandemic hit, I felt a shift while being in California, as if my time there was at a standstill. I moved to Arizona (because I wasn't quite ready to move back to Texas), and navigating a new state and city all on my own challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. However, there were a lot of feelings of loneliness which led me to my own personal therapy journey where I eventually discovered that therapy and counseling were still a route I could take to further my education and career - I wanted to help others on a deeper level just like my own therapist was able to provide for me.
IN 2022
moved to arizona
THE TIMELINE
After much research, I felt a connection with the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. I went to Irvine for the first week of conferences and then continued my education in a rigorous, fast-track online program that allowed me to dive into my passion and desire to help those on their own personal life journeys.
in 2022
started my master's program at the townsend institute at concordia university - irvine
THE TIMELINE
Alongside full-time classes, I began my internship at a private practice in Gilbert, Arizona, where I gained vast experience in supporting individuals and families in various stages of life. I fell in love with this career, being able to walk alongside individuals in their lives and provide a safe space of comfort and healing for each and every person who walked through my door.
in 2023
began seeing clients as an pre-licensed mental health professional in gilbert, az
THE TIMELINE
I was chosen from a select few in my program to travel to Placencia, Belize, where we provided counseling services to students in the village and provided them with resources and tools to help them address struggles and traumas they've experienced in their lives. We were able to dive into different cultures and environments and meet each of them where they were at, while creating a safe and compassionate connections with each of them.
in 2024
traveled to belize to provide counseling services to students
THE TIMELINE
After completing all of my courses, my practicum, and internship clinical hours, I made my way to Irvine with the support and presence of loved ones. Where we celebrated the completion and graduation of receiving my Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
IN 2024
graduated with my masters from concordia university - irvine
THE TIMELINE
I passed the National Counseling Exam, applied for my Associate license in Arizona, and officially became a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona in September of 2024. I also wanted to provide services to the state I considered "home" for most of my life. I applied to Texas and received my licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate in January of 2025. Making it possible for me to reach for populations and individuals with the hopes of supporting them on their ups and downs of life.
in September 2024 and january 2025
recEIved my arizona lac license + texas lpc-associate license
THE TIMELINE
healingwithmalaiyailene became a proud part of the Stories Counseling family in Mesa, AZ, and I couldn’t be more excited to step into this chapter surrounded by such skilled, compassionate, and inspiring fellow therapists. It feels like a true gift to grow and serve alongside a team so deeply dedicated and well-trained.
in October 2025
healingwithmalaiyailene became apart of the stories family
THE TIMELINE
THROUGH THE YEARS
look back
to take the next step towards healing?
Are you ready
movement, journaling, or spa days!
8. what are my go-to self care methods?
anywhere by the water and/or beach
7. my favorite vacation or places to wind-down?
tsitp, business proposal, lilo and stitch
6. top shows/movies?
spending time with my loved ones and cats!
5. what do I love doing on my days off?
body keeps the score, attached, no bad parts
4. favorite therapy books?
adventurous, compassionate, thoughtful
3. three words to describe me?
coke zero, sour candy, anything pug related
2. what am i obsessed with?
definitely a cold brew with cold foam type girl!
1. coffee or tea?
here are some trivial things about me
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i'm human too, doing life right alongside each and every one of you
