Kelli Malkasian, psyd, CEDS-C
Psychologist
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist & Consultant
Telehealth
& In-Person
Available
Now!
How did I get here?
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Like most young adults leaving high school I had no idea where my life was going to take me. All I knew was that I loved learning about how people think, learn and about the many ways we become resilient to life's events, so I pursued a degree in psychology and hoped it would lead me to a career that felt impactful and fulfilling. As luck would have it, it did!
After I graduated with my Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Michigan State University (Go Green!), I headed back to home to sunny South Florida. I grew up here and know first hand about the challenges and benefits of growing up and living down here. My first job was at The Renfrew Center in Coconut Creek, Florida — one of the top eating disorder treatment programs in the country. While working there, I fell in love with working with those recovering from eating disorders and knew I had found my calling.
So, I completed a Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University to be able to work with these incredibly resilient humans. After seven years at The Renfrew Center, I transitioned to the Oliver-Pyatt Centers in Miami, Florida, where I worked for five more years and earned the prestigious Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) credentials. This distinction is only given to professionals with extensive training and experience in the field of eating disorders and seeks protect clients from those who are not well-versed in the specialty, though claim to be experts.
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These experiences gave me the opportunity to work with thousands of patients and prepared me to open my own practice, Coral Reef Counseling. Coral reefs are resilient, unique, and beautiful — three qualities I see in each of my clients. While no two clients are alike, I believe that all people who suffer from an eating disorder or other mental health disorders can find inner beauty and strength through the recovery process and will live a better life with better body image and a better relationship with food than even the average person.
When I started in this field 20 years ago, I had no idea that I would find my calling. I get to witness firsthand how transformative the recovery process can be, watching clients change from a shell of themselves into a whole and happy person again. I consider it such an honor to play a role in every one of my client’s recovery process. I hope if this has spoken to you in some way that we can work together, either as a therapist and client or as a teacher/consultant and student.
Recovery builds on resilience that is already present
You can have better body image and a better relationship with food
Contact me below to work together:
My Specialities
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Body Image Concerns
Low Self-Esteem and/or Self-Worth
Identity Concerns and Existential Issues
Eating Disorders
Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Personality Disorders
Gender Dysphoria
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What Makes Me Unique
I bring a casual and collaborative style to my work, allowing my clients to set the pace for their recoveries. I pride myself on being very open, honest, and understanding. I love being a part of the process as my clients reach full recovery, becoming the strongest, most vibrant version of themselves.
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I bring a lot of humor to our sessions. I’m very collaborative with my clients. I meet you where you’re at, and I strive to take you all the way. I really work with you to make sure you get the results you deserve from your therapy.
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I believe in therapy that is centered around the client-therapist relationship. I am authentic, caring, and present with each of my clients and strive to help them recognize this solid foundation for our time together.
I offer individual and family therapy for clients both in and out of the recovery process. I use therapeutic relationships, connections, metaphors, and a lot of humor in my work. I also offer telehealth therapy for clients who can’t be seen in person due to distance or other commitments. I know change is difficult — I can be the strong and specialized clinician you need to help you through life’s challenges.
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My Personal Story
Whenever possible, I’m outside (I told you I loved the sunshine!) and taking full advantage of the South Florida lifestyle. My family, which includes my husband (also my high school sweetheart!) and our children, loves to spend time on the water, often paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, or boating. We also enjoy listening to music — you’ll constantly hear rock, reggae, or blues playing in our home.
I want you to find freedom in your relationship with food and your body.
I’m dedicated to advocacy work for eating disorders, body image, and other mental health issues. I am the current president of our local chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) and support groups focused on improving body image, increasing access to care, and fighting for mental health legislation and rights.
In my own life, I practice intuitive eating with myself and within my family. I believe in health at every size — you’ll never see me on a diet or hear me body shame myself or anyone else. I practice what I preach! I believe in embracing diversity and advocating, as well as, working for social justice and am an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. I look forward to hearing from you and hope we can be a good fit. If not, I will happily help direct you towards another quality clinician who may be a better fit for you in the field.
