Mackenzie Howshar (she/her)

As a marriage and family therapist, my professional and educational training focused on supporting connection and repair within relationships. I believe true connection with loved ones creates joy and peace, and it is important to understand your partner and yourself to move you both into a place of harmony and compassion. I have received training in Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 2) and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT, Level 1) to promote secure functioning.

Slowing down and being present is a possibility, even for those who feel overwhelmed and move through life quickly with anxiety. I have worked with a wide range of clients who experience anxiety and have strived to deepen understanding of anxiety, how it serves us, and how to live better with it harnessed. My approach includes person-centered and animal-assisted insight-building into where the source of anxiety and practicing effective methods of managing and reducing your symptoms.

Depression can feel debilitating and overwhelming, and it is more common than we realize. I have worked with people and couples of all ages who live with depression. I strive to support self-compassion and learn about your personal experiences with depression. Then, I facilitate practice of self-awareness, mindfulness, and skills designed to increase engagement in life and joyfulness. Canine-assisted therapy can significantly benefit those living with depression.

AAT can provide benefits to anyone, whether you're living with anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, or attachment. With the help of my trained professional therapy canine, I facilitate relationship-building, teamwork, confidence, self-awareness, mindfulness, and playfulness. Who doesn't love having a furry friend to comfort and support you? My dog and I have been a therapy team for one year and he loves it. Please ask me questions about this!

My training as a marriage and family therapist has focused on the unique bond between partners within varying relationships. I have participated in couples-focused trainings to supplement my degree, including Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 2) and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT - Level 1). In this practice, I support increased attunement and mutual understanding to promote healthy conflict management, communication, and cultivating joy and playfulness therein.

Attachment is foundational to all relational work, whether it be within a partnership, family, or friendship. The Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) utilizes tenets of attachment theory coupled with biological functions, reactions, and drives to facilitate healing within a partnership. My training in family and group work focuses on the connections and understandings therein and is informed by attachment theory. Animal-assisted therapy also relies heavily on this theory.