Mackenzie Dunham, LICSW, CMHS, CDWF-Clinician
(she/they)
Ever since I started private practice, I have always said I would see anyone who wanted to do the work. Due to the high demand for my services and areas of expertise, I recently, I made the decision to change this policy and am now limiting my availability to focus on the areas in which I am specialized: LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families; shame resilience; parenting support; groups; and anyone who wants to dive deeper into the research of Brené Brown as it applies to their own life.
I love what I do, and I’m glad to consult by phone in advance to see if we would be a good fit. In addition to my specialization in gender identity and parent-child relationships, I was trained to be an advanced generalist, which means I can hang with just about whatever you throw out at me. If I don’t think I can help, or if I know another clinician in the community that I trust and think would be a better fit for you, I’ll tell you. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of a good outcome for you, and I don’t want to waste either of our time.
My favorite style of this work is group. I’m pretty confident that when most people think of group they picture a bunch of strangers in folding chairs awkwardly sharing and simultaneously trying to figure out any reason to leave. That’s the movie version, and it has never been my experience. To me, group has always been this sacred process where I’ve seen the most growth in people in the shortest amount of time. It is magic. Is group awkward? Yep. But isn’t everything when you aren’t used to it? In my experience, by the time you’re done with the first one most people are excited to continue. Is group scary? Only before you start, and the first 15 minutes. Will you cry in front of other people? That kind of depends on if you want to. All the research has my back on this - group works. It is the most effective form of therapy. It fosters connection, reduces feelings of loneliness, increases your ability to relate to humanity, and encourages self-compassion. In every one of the groups I’ve done, we reach a place (rather early on) where at the end of the session people don’t want to leave. They linger about in my office talking and visiting and I eventually have to herd them out. I love it. It is a wonderful problem to have.
All of the groups I run these days are based on a curriculum. I’m certified to facilitate the following curricula: Daring Greatly™, Rising Strong™, BOLD™, The Gifts of Imperfection™ (all of which are based on the research of Brene Brown); I am also certified to provide The Incredible Years, Circle of Security, Triple P, and Attachment Vitamins (all of which are based on the research and principles of positive parenting, and attachment theory).
Click here to learn more about The Daring Way.
In individual sessions, I pull from all of these curricula, as well as other clinical training I’ve had.
I cut my teeth in the world of addiction treatment. I’ve worked in suicide prevention, treatment centers, jail, a pediatric clinic, a group practice and at Children’s Home Society of Washington, where I first met Justin, Mindy, and Karen. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University (2008), and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Washington University (2012).
Specialty: Transgender youth and family transition; The Daring Way; Internal Family Systems
I am best for people who: are questioning their gender or navigating how to support a family member who is exploring their gender. I am fantastic with parents of trans kids who are having a difficult time accepting their child’s journey. For non-gender-related issues - I am best for people looking to dive deep into their struggles and heal them at the root. If you’re looking for surface-level coping skills, quick fixes, or hoping to avoid anything challenging, I’m not for you. Also - if professionalism, and formality are important to you, you will hate me.
Telehealth status: Provides telehealth clients or in-person therapy
Mackenzie’s practice is currently full.
Insurance and Rates
Sliding Scale Info:
Insurance Mackenzie takes: Kaiser, Pacificsource, Regence BCBS, Premera BCBS, Lifewise, ComPsych, First Choice, Moda, United Health, Providence Preferred, Optum, Cigna, Molina, Aetna, Meritain