We are happy you are here. The therapists of Coastal Counseling Collective are here to help you find the support and guidance in a safe and comfortable environment. Our experienced therapists specialize in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, relationships, and more.
My name is Mackenzie McFarland and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Luis Obispo, California. I obtained my education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for my BA in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology. I am a current member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist including the Central Coast chapter. and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists with Clinical Fellow Designation.
I have multiple years experience working with those struggling with adjustment / management of their college experience, substance use / recovery, mood disorders (Bipolar), anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, change of life phases, and trauma. I have worked successfully with individuals from a variety of presenting problems such as; diagnoses, age, ethnicity, education level, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation - that being said - I believe that these factors play a role in who you are as an individual however within our sessions the therapeutic relationship developed is a significant factor that contributes to change.
Within sessions I will ask of you to be honest, share the seemingly irrational, challenge yourself within healthy discomfort, share of the difficulties you face within sessions, reflect on your life and yourself, and ultimately be open to the process of therapy. My role is not to give you the answers to your problems or provide advice. Rather, I will help create space to better make sense of what you already know and become more aware of the deeper insights within yourself. I pride myself on fostering a space with openness, trust, safety, transparency, curiosity, creativity, and compassion.
Family dynamics are complex. If you have found it difficult to communicate with your partner or with your child, you are not alone. Finding help during these challenging times can feel overwhelming, and that’s where I hope I can help. I am an associate therapist working at Coastal Counseling Collective in San Luis Obispo, CA. I have clinical experience working with individuals, families and couples helping them manage their mental health needs and improve the quality of their relationships. I aim to create a space that offers you and your family the opportunity to listen, heal and grow together.
In my clinical experience, I have worked with children and adults with a range of mental health needs including processing trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and substance use. My work experience at a local non-profit afforded me the opportunity to build clinical skills in behavior modification, communication skills and parenting strategies.
I take a person-centered approach to treatment and aim to meet each client's unique needs. I strive to support clients in reaching the goals they set for themselves. I offer a safe and empathetic environment for client's to explore strategies that can improve the quality of their lives. In honoring the language of children, I offer play therapy as well.
There are many reasons you might feel unfulfilled, disconnected, anxious, or depressed and I can assure you it is not because something is “wrong” with you! From a strengths-based perspective, I help clients recognize what is right about them and assist in transforming the critical internal dialogue that many people experience. We will collaboratively explore what is ailing you, unearth unprocessed emotional material and draw out new insights that lie deep within. Together, we will attune to you and discover ways of orienting to the people, places, and things around you in ways that feel authentic and life-giving!
I believe all people deserve a space to feel heard, seen, and accepted. I am a sensitive, compassionate person by nature and I use these qualities coupled with the skills I have developed as a clinician to best serve the person in front of me. I utilize a blend of motivational interviewing, mindfulness techniques, CBT, DBT, and elements of narrative therapy.
Whether you have never been to therapy and have had a curiosity about how you could benefit from it, had a recent experience that brought about feelings of despair or hopelessness, have taken a break or are looking for a new provider, I applaud you for taking steps to invest in your healing and self-development.
Mackenzie currently accepts:
Alyssa currently accepts:
Carissa Currently accepts:
All therapists are able to provide a Superbill to insurance plans for Out Of Network coverage
Mackenzie
Alyssa
Carissa
All therapists offer a complimentary 15min phone consultation to discuss what individuals are looking for out of therapy, answer questions individuals have, and assess for best fit before scheduling the first appointment. Reach out to therapists directly below or use the inquires form and we will get back to you promptly.
11573 Los Osos Valley Road, Suite J, San Luis Obispo, California 93405, United States
11549 Los Osos Valley Road, Suite 200 San Luis Obispo, California 93405 Office 805-316-3750 info@coastalcounselingcollective.com Mackenzie McFarland, LMFT, Owner 805-329-1234 mackenzie@coastalcounselingcollective.com