Mackenzie Thorsrud, M.Ed., LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
(she/her)
My goal is to develop an alliance, working alongside my clients, aiming to reveal their strengths, and instill hope in all that life has to offer. Taking a holistic approach to counseling embodies my passion of helping you to transform your life in all aspects that you find meaningful.
I offer an integrative, person-centered approach to therapy in which your goals, needs and interests are at the fore front of our work together. Over the course of my training and experience working with young children, adolescents and adults, I employ various expressive arts, behavioral and narrative techniques. In addition, I am presently providing Child-Centered Play therapy for children and adolescent clients, helping to rebuild autonomy and individuality in children who have experienced trauma, have learning disabilities and social skills deficits. My counseling specialties are geared towards those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood/personality disorders, life transitions and behavioral challenges. As each of our humanistic experiences impact how we create healthy relationships with ourselves and others, I am here to help empower you to achieve mental, physical and spiritual health in the most beneficial approach for you.
I aim to offer a counseling approach that invites you to be exactly who you are meant to be, and to have someone encouraging you every step of the way, as this journey was never intended for you to walk it alone.
Being connected to others through laughter and quality time, and exploring the outdoors are what I value most in life. When we are not enduring the summer heat in AZ, I love taking adventure walks with my son and husband, and connecting with friends on a hike. Otherwise, I am curled up on the couch with my two pups reading a fun novel, watching my favorite shows & movies, or playing games with my family. I love travelling (road trips especially) as I am immersed in the beauty of different cultures and connecting with new people.
To help determine if I would best fit your needs for counseling, I kindly ask that you call or email me for a free 10-15 consultation, in which I can address any further questions you may have. I look forward to connecting!
Populations Served:
Children and Adolescents (ages6+)/Adults/Individuals/BIPOC/LGBTQ+
Therapeutic Styles:
Person-Centered/Play Therapy/Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)/Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)/Strength-Based/Trauma Focused/Culturally Sensitive/Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)/Dialectical Behavioral (DBT)/Internal Family Systems
Credentials:
B.A. in Psychology w/minor in Family Studies & Human Developments from the University of Arizona
M.Ed. in Counseling - School Counseling from Northern Arizona University
Licensed Associate Counselor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE)
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Trainings:
CCPT 101: Child-Centered Play Therapy from UNT
The Triggered Brain & Calming the Triggered Brain
MPOWRD (Teen AA)
Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Practical Play Therapy Applications of the Polyvagal Theory
Neuroscience for Clinicians: New Brain Science for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse
Oaklander Sand Tray Training: Healing through Play
No Wait, That’s Grief Virtual Symposium
It Takes a Virtual Village: Ethics in the Virtual Space
It Takes a Virtual Village: Working with Children, Adolescents and Families in a Virtual Space
Latin i/o/a Cultural Humility and Barriers to Treatment
Eating Disorders in Marginalized Populations (BIPOC)
The Necessity of Affirming Care and How we May be Missing the Mark
ACT and Values: Inspiring Strength and Growth with New Ways to Act