Mackenzie Shanks, MS, PLPC, NCC

About Mackenzie

Mackenzie is a counselor dedicated to providing her clients with a safe, accepting, and understanding space. She values a collaborative, person-centered approach, prioritizing strong, trusting relationships in a warm, nonjudgmental environment. Mackenzie believes that each individual is the expert on their own life, and she is committed to walking alongside them—offering evidence-based tools to help navigate challenges, build on strengths, and achieve personal goals.

Mackenzie works with individuals of all ages, from young children to adults. She holds a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Central Missouri, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her experience includes supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and friendship challenges, LGBTQIA+ identity exploration, and neurodivergence. She is especially passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and helping those struggling with body image and self-esteem.

Recognizing that every person’s experiences are unique, Mackenzie does not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy. She integrates a variety of interventions tailored to each individual’s needs, including coping skill development, self-compassion practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), sand tray therapy, and play therapy techniques.

Outside of counseling, Mackenzie’s friends and family describe her as intentional, creative, and compassionate, with a calming presence. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, going to the movies, hiking, doing DIY crafts, exploring local coffee shops, and searching for unique antique finds.