Stella McKenzie, AMFT

Hello, I'm Stella, a Registered Associate Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist (AMFT #144641), working under the supervision of Tony Nguyen (LMFT Lic. #107936). I specialize in therapy for children and adolescents, as well as adults seeking to break free from self-defeating beliefs and patterns.

I employ a variety of approaches including somatic therapy, where I explore how trauma manifests and is stored in the body. My therapeutic journey is fueled by a profound belief in the mind-body connection.
In my work with children, I've found that often they cannot articulate their trauma verbally. Instead, they express their inner world through art, play, and dance/movement therapy. Through these modalities, I am able to decipher the language of their bodies, unraveling the stories that they struggle to tell verbally. With teenagers, I provide support through the unique challenges they face, including issues like suicidal ideation, depression, panic attacks, and school refusal.
In addition to youth and families, I also support adults who feel immobilized by anxiety or trapped in unyielding patterns. Together, we can delve into core issues and gently peel back layers to reveal their authentic selves. Through empathetic guidance towards self-awareness, I empower my clients to recognize that they are enough. I firmly believe that everything needed for happiness resides within, waiting to be acknowledged and nurtured.
I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual's unique needs, fostering a safe, non-judgmental space where healing can unfold organically. Whether grappling with trauma, self-defeating beliefs, grief, divorce, LGBTQIA2S+ issues, or a pervasive sense of feeling stuck, I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients as they reclaim agency over their lives.