ME: THE THERAPIST

MACKENZI KINGDON, LMHC

Hey! I’m so glad you’re here!

My name is Mackenzi Kingdon, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. I am trained to help you live the life you’ve always dreamed of!

I don’t believe one size fits all when it comes to therapy.

What may work for someone else, may not work for you. I want to get to know you on a deeper level so I can customize therapy to help you achieve your goals.

I have a background in helping adults and teens overcome a number of problems - especially anxiety and trauma. Check out my specializations below!

SPECIALIZATIONS

Anxiety
Trauma Recovery
Identity Exploration

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL… CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AREAS OF EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Adjustment, Acculturation, Anger, Relationships, Cultural adaptation, Feminism, Grief, Hopelessness, Immigration difficulties, Imposter syndrome, Intersectionality, Life transition, Reconciliation, Racial/cultural identity, Sexual orientation/identity, Spirituality, Stress, Teen anxiety, Teen depression, Teen stress, Work/academic stress, and many more!

THERAPY TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

TRAUMA & ANXIETY SPECIALIST

It sounds strange - but I get really excited when I’m working with clients who need help overcoming anxiety or trauma. Why? Because I know I can help! It is such a wonderful and humbling experience to be invited into that journey. Between EMDR and traditional therapy, I am confident we can find solutions together!

COUNSELING & THERAPY TECHNIQUES

My two favorite techniques to use are Narrative Therapy and EMDR. I find that the combination of these two styles makes for some really meaningful change in my clients’ lives. Click here to learn more about what these techniques are all about. If you want to learn more about EMDR specifically, click here!

COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN THERAPY AND COUNSELING

I’ve been working with teens and adults for a while now. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many folks who identify differently than me in a number of ways - sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic identity, etc. In fact, I hold a degree in (get ready, it's a long one...) 'Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Latinx Communities'. This masters program taught me so much about how to stay curious and continually strive to be better when working with people who have different backgrounds than me. As the therapist, it is so important to me to acknowledge the ways in which I am privileged - I don't pretend to be colorblind or ignorant to our differences. I am very aware it can be difficult for a person of color to see a white therapist. Differences should be explored and celebrated, and I highly encourage discussions about privilege, identity, and intersectionality in my office.

SPIRITUAL & EXISTENTIAL EXPLORATION

With a bachelor's degree in theology from Seattle Pacific University, I enjoy exploring topics of spirituality of all shapes and sizes. While my therapy is not rooted in any spiritual or religious foundation, I find that having a common language with people who are in or transitioning out of a religion/religious group is helpful. More than anything, my background in theology is another tool I can use if the topic of religion, spirituality, or religious abuse is important to you. No matter what you believe, the topic of existence is always relevant and often connected to religion or spirituality. This is something I am happy to discuss in session. I know it can feel like a sticky topic to bring up in public - but hey, that’s what therapy is for! If you’d like, let’s have a conversation about spirituality. I’d love to hear what you think and how it plays a role in your life.

WHY SO MANY LETTERS AFTER YOUR NAME?

Good question, let’s break it down.
MA: This stands for my master’s degree in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University.
LMHC: This stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Throughout my experiences, I have worked hard to help people overcome anxiety and trauma. This is why I decided to learn EMDR - it is great for addressing anxiety and trauma. Before starting my private practice I worked in various clinics in California & Washington providing counseling to adults and teens in the LGBTQIA+ community, and providing services to our undocumented neighbors.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE...

I adore being a therapist. It is such an honor to meet every one of my clients and get to know them on a deep level. I believe in deepening our relationship by allowing you to get to know me as well.

I have lived in Seattle nearly my entire life. I was born and raised in Edmonds, lived in Kirkland for a brief time, and did my undergrad at Seattle Pacific University. For a little while I lived in Tijuana, Mexico to take a break from school and pursue my love of the Spanish language. After returning, I left again for a few years to get my master's degree at Pepperdine University in California. Oh, how I missed Seattle while I was gone! As dismal as the winter can be, I love the rain! I welcome it as an excuse to be cozy inside with a cup of coffee, a good movie, and a blanket.

My husband and I live in Shoreline with our puppy, Zero. He is an Australian Shepherd (the puppy, not my husband!) and is full of love and energy. I am currently working on training him to become a therapy support dog. Stay tuned for updates on that! We also have a pet hedgehog named Hodor.

When I'm not in my office, I am spending time with loved ones, painting, or (*let's be real*) binge watching a really great TV show. In the summer, I enjoy camping and spending a day at the lake! I welcome you to ask questions about me if you have them! I believe that being open with my clients can be really helpful. Some therapists disagree with this, and that’s okay. Trust me, I’ll never steal your thunder - therapy is all about you. But sometimes when you’re not talking to a blank slate of a person, it can be easier to open up.

PUBLICATIONS & ARTICLES

• Social Issues in Living Color
  Chapter 5 of Volume 1: Applying Latina/o Psychology to Address Social Issues
  Purchase on Amazon

• Shame and Silence: Recognizing Spiritual Abuse
  Published by GoodTherapy.org
  Link to Article

• How to Recognize Secondary Trauma
  Published by Amiga Lawyers
  Link to Article