who I am, and how I can help
Mackenzie A. Cortese, MA, LPC
She/Her/Hers
I wasn't always a therapist.
My first degree was a BA in Art History and to this day, I maintain a passion for the visual and performing arts. With my background in art, I have found an ability to satiate that craving for creativity in a much more fulfilling art.
Supporting individuals in their journey toward being their best selves.
I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago, and have lived in Arizona ever since. It's strange to have lived somewhere the majority of your life, and still recognize yourself as a product of where you lived in your childhood. For me, that was right outside of Washington D.C. Experiencing both East Coast and West Coast sensibilities has absolutely colored my personality, as well as my "style" in therapy.
I attended my undergraduate and graduate school in Phoenix and received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2014. Before graduation, I interned within a high school district and learned about the nuanced approaches to best support teens with their mental health and educational needs. After graduating, I began practicing in a well-respected community mental health center in downtown Phoenix, that focused on supporting adults who presented with significant mental health concerns.
During my time there, I focused much of my research on learning coping strategies to teach my clients when in crisis or during adverse life events. Over the years I have expanded my training to be able to cater to the needs of the individuals I see. I have felt that specialization in one or two methods of therapy was not always what was the most beneficial for the diverse population of individuals I have seen. My training may look quite varied, but this is due in part, to my persistent belief that my training should cater to my clients, not my clients having to cater to my training.
Thus, my specialties include:
My first degree was a BA in Art History and to this day, I maintain a passion for the visual and performing arts. With my background in art, I have found an ability to satiate that craving for creativity in a much more fulfilling art.
Supporting individuals in their journey toward being their best selves.
I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago, and have lived in Arizona ever since. It's strange to have lived somewhere the majority of your life, and still recognize yourself as a product of where you lived in your childhood. For me, that was right outside of Washington D.C. Experiencing both East Coast and West Coast sensibilities has absolutely colored my personality, as well as my "style" in therapy.
I attended my undergraduate and graduate school in Phoenix and received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2014. Before graduation, I interned within a high school district and learned about the nuanced approaches to best support teens with their mental health and educational needs. After graduating, I began practicing in a well-respected community mental health center in downtown Phoenix, that focused on supporting adults who presented with significant mental health concerns.
During my time there, I focused much of my research on learning coping strategies to teach my clients when in crisis or during adverse life events. Over the years I have expanded my training to be able to cater to the needs of the individuals I see. I have felt that specialization in one or two methods of therapy was not always what was the most beneficial for the diverse population of individuals I have seen. My training may look quite varied, but this is due in part, to my persistent belief that my training should cater to my clients, not my clients having to cater to my training.
Thus, my specialties include:
|
■ Trauma or Adverse Experiences
■ DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy ■ IFS - Internal Family Systems |
■ Depression & Anxiety
■ Brainspotting ■ Sandplay |
■ Online Therapy
■ EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing |
My additional training includes:
|
■ CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
■ Play Therapy ■ Animal-Assisted Therapy |
■ Motivational Interviewing
■ Sex Therapy ■ Person-Centered Therapy |
■ ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
■ Systematic Desensitization |
Communities I serve:
|
■ Teens & Adults
■ Neurodivergent |
■ LGBTQIA
■ BIPOC |
■ Polyamory Practicing
■ Sex Positive and Kink Community |
Lastly, I am an eclectic, trauma-informed therapist who can offer therapy for many diverse concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, emotional concerns, self-esteem, emotional growth, and living a more fulfilled life. I routinely receive feedback that I bring a relaxed and comfortable approach to counseling, which involves genuine caring, acceptance, authenticity, and non-judgment.
Thank you for coming and getting to know me, as a therapist. No matter where you land in your therapeutic journey, whether with Agave or another safe place, I wish you the absolute best in your process.
Thank you for coming and getting to know me, as a therapist. No matter where you land in your therapeutic journey, whether with Agave or another safe place, I wish you the absolute best in your process.
Now Hiring
GLENDALE, ARIZONA & NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Our team of mental health treatment professionals specializes in providing behavioral health services for teens and adults across multiple states. ACS encourages a collaborative culture with a focus on adherence to state and federal guidelines, and the continued pursuit of personal and professional growth. As a provider of behavioral health services, we are seeking skilled professionals of the highest caliber that share our commitment to providing high-quality services.
If you feel that you would be appropriate for our team, please send your resume and CV to info@agavecounseling.com
If you feel that you would be appropriate for our team, please send your resume and CV to info@agavecounseling.com