Malliga Battar (Prefer Dr. Battar)
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who supports teens and adults working through trauma, stress, and complex life experiences. My approach is collaborative, drawing on Cognitive behavioral therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to help individuals understand their patterns and build healthier ways of coping.
I provide therapy in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages to honor each individual’s cultural and personal story.
I provide therapy in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages to honor each individual’s cultural and personal story. I create a collaborative therapeutic environment grounded in safety and cultural responsiveness.
First session
You can expect your first session with me to feel calm, welcoming, and structured. We’ll talk about what’s been weighing on you, what you hope will feel different, and any important parts of your history that help me understand your experience. I’ll explain how I work, answer your questions, and check in about what helps you feel safe and supported. By the end of our time, we’ll identify a few initial goals so you have a clear sense of direction and what our work together can look like.
Strengths
My therapeutic approach is distinguished by a culturally responsive framework integrated with evidence‑based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I emphasize the systematic assessment of thoughts, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns to identify targets for intervention and promote adaptive functioning. I strengthen support systems and improve treatment outcomes. My work is structured, goal‑oriented, and grounded in practices that support measurable, and sustainable change.
Ideal clients
I’m best positioned to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, or major life transitions. Many individuals balance cultural expectations, family pressures, or multiple identities. They’re looking for a warm, collaborative therapist who offers practical tools, emotional clarity, and a space where their experiences and values are understood and I will provide the space to explore your emotions with compassion rather than criticism. I will support you in becoming grounder, confident and connected. I will help you rebuild after loss, separation or a shift in your sense of self. With my clinical experiences over the years in the forensic setting, I understand the challenges of being institutionalized and will help you reintegrate into society.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Focused CBT
I provide trauma‑informed care for teenagers and adults, helping them make sense of the difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that often follow painful experiences. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to build healthier patterns and coping skills.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) because it helps people explore ambivalence and tap into their own motivation for change through a collaborative, person‑centered process.
Location
Virtual sessions