Hi, I’m Dr. Malina Banavong Maladore!

 

I’m truly honored to walk alongside folx in their unique journeys of growth and healing. My passion lies in deeply understanding people for who they are—through an intersectional, holistic lens that honors all the complex parts of what makes us human.

 

I’m a Connecticut native and proud first-generation Lao American, born to Lao American refugee parents, and one of the very few Lao Americans to hold a doctorate in clinical psychology. I carry with me a deep understanding of identity, culture, and community belonging.

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Much of my clinical experience centers on working with young adults in private practice, community mental health, and college counseling settings. I support clients in exploring their identities and sense of self, navigating complex relationships, and deepening their self-understanding during the transformative stages of becoming who they are. I received extensive clinical training at Wesleyan University, completed my APA-accredited APPIC internship at SUNY Albany, and am currently finishing my postdoctoral fellowship at Tufts University.

 

My approach to therapy is grounded in collaborative learning, reflection, and growth, guiding clients toward a deeper connection with their genuine selves and a stronger sense of empowerment. I practice from a relational-cultural framework and incorporate thematic psychoanalytic principles to guide my work. I strive to create a warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental environment where all parts of oneself are welcome, and I often bring in humor and transparency to support that process. I believe therapy is most powerful when we bring our full selves into the room and embrace the process together, no matter how scary or challenging it may feel.​