I’ve been a therapist since 1997, but I didn’t start out in that direction. My first plan was to become a teacher–until I discovered I really wanted to be the teacher who stayed after class to help kids with their personal problems. So, I changed tracks after my undergraduate degree and completed a Master’s program and became a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
I worked as a support group facilitator, provincial mental health advocate (for eating disorders), and an Employee Assistance Program counsellor for the City of Vancouver. I started my full-time private practice in 2002, brought on colleagues, and provided clinical supervision and consultancy. I was a cofounder of the Western Canada Institute of ISTDP in Calgary and have always been a perennial student.
I retired in 2022 to enjoy some time with family, to start some serious gardening in my backyard and to hike in Alberta, Australia, and Peru. I discovered rather quickly that despite enjoying my new pursuits, I really missed working with people in a deep and profound way. And I have decades of expertise and life experience to share with clients and colleagues.
So after careful consideration, my counselling practice is open again. I’m looking forward to that perfect balance that comes from pursuing my passions–both counselling as well as family and outdoor adventures.
Let me help you align you with your passions too!
I’ve been a therapist since 1997, but I didn’t start out in that direction. My first plan was to...
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Max is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver, BC. She is compassionate, open-minded and brings a deeply non-judgmental approach to her practice. She believes in creating a safe, welcoming environment where clients feel seen and valued for who they are. Her natural curiosity allows her to explore each client’s unique story and innate resilience using humour, creativity and connection. She is committed to social justice, and anti-oppressive practices.
Mackenzie has almost completed Somatic Experiencing training and is happy to integrate somatic therapy in her work with clients. The body holds wisdom that can often guide emotional processing by attuning to the nervous system’s response to both the hardships and the places of healing in our lives.
Mackenzie is also training in Janina Fisher’s Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) which incorporates parts work, mindfulness and somatic techniques. TIST can help clients broaden their understanding of themselves and cultivate a sense of self-compassion.
Mackenzie also draws from various other therapeutic modalities including Narrative Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Training and Certifications
Somatic Experiencing (Completion in early 2026)
Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) Level 1 (2025)
Narrative Therapy Foundations Certificate (Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy, 2025)
Max is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver, BC. She is compassionate, open-minded...
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