I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of San Francisco. As part of my education I completed the Buddhist Studies Program in Bodh Gaya, India through Antioch College. I had the privilege of combining my interests in mental health and mindfulness by working on research at the University of California, San Francisco on the impact of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on chronic depression. After beginning my clinical work in community mental health, I went on to complete my Master’s in social work from Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, MA where I completed internships in residential addiction recovery and college mental health.
I completed a post-graduate fellowship with Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco in Addiction Medicine and have since been employed with Kaiser in Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services. I am privileged to both provide mental health services locally and virtually to serve not only my community but to people needing assistance anywhere through BetterHelp.
I work from a philosophy that emphasizes authenticity, privileges the clinical relationship and acknowledges the client as the expert of their experience. I maintain a collaborative and supportive therapeutic space where emotional healing and growth can take place. As a clinical social worker, I am committed to anti-oppression and approach my work from a systems framework that is trauma-informed, gender and sexuality affirming and client centered. I am trained in and draw on psychodynamic theory as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based practices and addiction recovery philosophies (such as 12 step) in my clinical work. I have special interest in and experience working with the LGBTQ community, issues related to college, with gender issues, with depression, anxiety, addiction/substance abuse and codependency.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LCSW 89086
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Mackenzie Frawley. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Mac was easy to talk to and responsive over messaging outside our counseling sessions.
Written on Aug 11, 2020 after therapy with Mackenzie for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching