Mala Child & Family Institute

11/24/2025

It's a normal part of the human experience to want to avoid things that make us anxious. And, that avoidance brings us instant relief—but only for a moment. Over time, it actually trains the brain to fear more and trust itself less.

➡ Swipe through to learn how the cycle of avoidance works and how to break it. 🌀

💛 If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, we’re here to support you: to learn more, click the link in our bio or visit www.malafamily.org.

11/21/2025

🎉 Please help us welcome Kelsey Russom, MS, LLP, to the Mala Child & Family Institute team! 🎉

Kelsey is a master’s level psychologist with a strong background in clinical health psychology—a field that explores how our physical and mental health shape one another. She brings extensive experience supporting children and teens navigating anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as well as women moving through the many transitions of motherhood.

Kelsey’s therapeutic style is calming, empowering, and deeply supportive. She creates a space where clients can show up authentically and grow toward self-acceptance and increased self-awareness. 🌱

✨ Now accepting clients in Farmington Hills & via telehealth
✨ In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield & Aetna
✨ Areas of focus: anxiety, depression, ADHD, identity exploration, and motherhood

We’re so excited to welcome Kelsey to the team! 💛
Ready to begin working together in Farmington or online? 👉 Visit malafamily.org/kelsey to get started.

11/20/2025

If the holidays bring up tension in your chest, you’re not alone. Family dynamics can activate parts of us we’ve worked hard to heal. You can show up grounded and connected to yourself and your family. 🤍🌿

1. Before you go, regulate. Slow exhales, long stretches, grounding touch, a weighted blanket, or stepping outside for fresh air.

2. Ask yourself: “Who do I want to be in this space?” Kind? Grounded? Honest? Courageous? Values help you respond instead of react.

3. You can love your family and feel overwhelmed. You can enjoy the moment and feel old emotions rise. Flexible thinking allows room for grace.

4.  Boundaries create space for healthier connection. They help you stay authentic without abandoning yourself or the relationship.

5. You don’t have to be the “helper,” “peacemaker,” or “quiet one.” You can love your family and still refuse to step back into outdated versions of yourself.

6.  You are allowed to choose rest, slowness, safety, or solitude. Your healing is sacred, and it does not need permission.

If this comforted you, share it with someone who needs to breathe easier today.

✨ Follow for trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming guidance year-round.

11/14/2025

🎉 Please help us give a warm welcome to Mala’s newest Billing Assistant, Cierra Eschenbacher! 🎉

Cierra plays an essential role in verifying insurance coverage, submitting claims, and helping ensure that every client—whether in-network or private pay—has a smooth and reliable billing experience.

They bring a rich background in early childhood education and project management, along with a passion for child advocacy, joyful movement, and destigmatizing mental health. Outside of work, you can find Cierra watching movies with their fiancée or spending solo time participating in activities that nurture their inner child! 🌱

We’re so excited to have you on the team, Cierra! 💛

11/12/2025

You don’t have to wait to get the support you deserve!

We currently have immediate day-time and virtual therapy openings in Farmington Hills, Plymouth, & Ann Arbor! Make your mental health a priority and reach out now. 🌱

✨ In-network with BCBS, BCN, & Aetna
🌟 Therapy made easy—connect from the comfort of home with virtual sessions
💫 Supportive, client-centered, & personalized for YOU

To enroll, visit malafamily.org/psychotherapy, or click the link in our bio

11/12/2025

Have you heard?

🌟Something BIG is coming to Mala!🌟

We are beyond excited to announce that Autism Evaluations are now available for every age (children 12 months and older, teens, and adults) at Mala Child & Family Institute.

Led by Ashley Weiland, MS, LLP, our Lead Autism Evaluating Psychologist, this expansion marks a huge step forward in fulfilling our mission: to provide trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive care to all.

At Mala, every evaluation is a pathway to understanding and empowerment. Our team ensures that every person and family feels seen and supported through a truly holistic process.

For more complex cases, our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists and occupational therapists will closely collaborate with the evaluation team to provide deeper insight and enhance the overall process.

✨ Accepting BCBS & private pay clients starting December of 2025!
📍 Farmington Hills

Read our latest blog to learn more:
https://www.malafamily.org/blog/autism-testing

11/07/2025

🎉 We're so excited to introduce Rayan Naaman, MA, BCBA, LBA, TLLP — the newest member of the Mala team!

Rayan is a Master's level psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst who brings a wealth of experience supporting kids and teens with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental challenges. She approaches every client with compassion, curiosity, and care — and her work is firmly rooted in neurodiversity-affirming practices and fostering connection.

✨ Accepting clients in Farmington Hills & virtually
✨ In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield & Aetna
✨ Bilingual in English & Arabic

We’re so excited to welcome Rayan to our community! 💛
📲 Interested in working with Rayan? Visit malafamily.org/rayan

11/06/2025

New Blog Post: Neurodiverse-Affirming Parenting — Building Connection Over Control

If your child struggles with change, feels anxious about everyday demands, or has big emotions during transitions, you are not alone.

In this piece, our practicum therapist Jill Jackson, BS, shares how shifting from control to connection can transform the parent–child relationship.

Learn what neurodiverse-affirming parenting really looks like, from offering choices and using gentle language to understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and supporting your child’s nervous system, not fighting against it.

Because when we meet our kids with safety, respect, and collaboration, everyone in the family begins to thrive.
✨ Read the full blog here: https://www.malafamily.org/blog/neurodiverse-affirming-parenting
✨ Learn more about Jill and her upcoming Sibling Support

Group for kids growing up with neurodivergent siblings: https://www.malafamily.org/siblings-group

Neurodiverse-Affirming Parenting: Building Connection Over Control  Nov 5 Written By Dr. Hasti Raveau Neurodiverse-Affirming Parenting: Building Connection Over Control By Jill Jackson, BSMSW Practicum StudentIf you’re parenting a child with persistent challenges around change, anxiety about eve...

11/05/2025

BECAUSE FOOD IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT 🍽 💛

This fall, Mala is asking our caring community to join us in the fight against food insecurity. From now until November 21st, we’re hosting a Fall Food Drive across all three office locations — because caring for our neighbors is part of caring for the whole.

YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE BY:
🥫 Dropping off nonperishable items at any office location
🛒 Shopping from our Amazon Wishlist (link in bio)
💲 Making a monetary donation (link in bio) — Mala will match 50% of all donations

Each office’s collection will go directly to a local pantry:
• Ann Arbor → Food Gatherers
• Plymouth → Elmwood Blessing Box
• Farmington Hills → CARES

Together, we can nourish our communities and uplift those most affected by inequity. 🌱

11/04/2025

There are so many misconceptions about what therapy is (and isn’t) — so, let’s clear some of them up! 💛

✨ Therapy Myths vs. Truths ✨

From “therapy is just talking about your feelings” to "strong people know how to handle things on their own," these myths can keep people from getting the support they deserve. The truth? Therapy is for EVERYONE — and it’s about learning, growing, and finding tools that help you navigate life with more awareness and compassion.

Swipe through to see some of the most common therapy myths, and the truths that guide us in our work. 🌿

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! 🎃 We had SO much fun at this year’s Trunk-or-Treat, and are already looking forward to next year’s! 🍬 Thanks to all our amazing vendors and community partners who helped make this event our best one yet! 🧡

10/31/2025

As the days grow shorter and sunlight fades earlier, many people notice a dip in mood, motivation, or energy. For some, that’s part of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a reminder of how deeply our minds and bodies respond to rhythm, light, and rest. ☀️

At Mala Child & Family Institute, we know that emotional regulation and wellbeing look different for everyone, especially for those who are neurodivergent or healing from trauma. Our nervous systems crave safety, consistency, and care. 🌿

That’s why we’re giving away an Oura Ring (valued at $349), a wearable designed to help you gently track your sleep, stress, and recovery, so you can learn what your body needs to feel balanced and supported. 💍

To enter:
1️⃣ Follow on Instagram or Facebook
2️⃣ Like this post ❤️
3️⃣ Tag 3 friends who are also on a journey toward balance and self-awareness
4️⃣ Bonus: Share to your story and tag us for an extra entry!

📅 Giveaway ends Dec 30 at 11:59 PM EST
🏆 Winner announced January 2 in our Stories

As we move into a new year, let’s remember: healing begins with awareness, and rest is not a luxury, it’s a need. 💚