Makenzie Schowalter
Makenzie Schowalter
She/Her • LGSW
Pre-Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Coon Rapids • Virtual
Specialties
Anxiety Mood/Depression Trauma/PTSD Relationships + Intimacy Neurodivergence Life Transitions Sexuality + LGBTQ Affirming Perinatal MH
Reproductive
Ages Served
Children Teens
Adults Older Adults
Modalities
Person Centered CBT Trauma Informed Approach Neurodivergent Affirming
About Me
I’m Makenzie Schowalter, a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and pre-licensed mental health therapist at Vayda. I enjoy working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds seeking a safe space to find meaning, purpose, and just vent about how shitty life can feel. I specialize in adolescents, teens, and adults with neurodivergence, especially late diagnosed females because I too have struggled to be neurodivergent in a world built around neurotypical individuals. Your weirdness is welcome here! I recently found meaning in assisting individuals experiencing sex and intimacy challenges, both in relational and individual settings, because sex doesn’t have to be a whispered, taboo topic.
Clinical Approaches
I spent my educational years learning about all things neurodivergence, specifically the disparities in diagnosis, symptom presentation, and supports between males and females. This means I really understand the importance of finding acceptance and celebration within neurodivergence and strive to ensure my office is a space where my clients feel affirmed in their diagnoses. Rather than focusing on “fixing”, I work to support acceptance, growth, and self-understanding for neurodivergent clients and their families.
Over the past year, I have assisted many clients struggling with sex and intimacy challenges, specifically reclaiming sexuality following abuse and reconnection following infidelity. Through this process, I found the therapeutic relationship to be the cornerstone of therapy and value approaching healing through a trusting relationship, rather than clinical jargon.
What you can expect from me: warmth, humor, directness, and commitment to providing a safe and trusting environment where growth and healing thrive. I frequently incorporate humor and swearing into session because a good laugh and a perfectly placed “fuck” can be the best medicine. I won’t promise to know it all or have the right answers, but I will promise to walk alongside you through it all.
The human behind the credentials.
Outside the office, I am your typical crazy dog mom to my American Bully, Dolly. She has a bigger wardrobe than I do and most definitely loves attention, therefore you most likely will hear a story or two about her and if you’re lucky, a little cameo of her during virtual sessions.
When dog mom duties aren’t calling, you can find me reading all the romance books that kindle provides. I am always open to a recommendation or two...or ten! I dabble in all the grandma hobbies including cross stitch, crocheting, knitting, and sewing (although that’s just to name a few). My all time favorite hobby is starting a hobby or DIY and never finishing it... My aspirations for crafting are much bigger than my attention span! To keep up with my never ending side quests, you can often find me drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee, meaning I can always point you in the direction of the nearest coffee shop!
I am not afraid of messy and will walk through the journey alongside you, offering support through the times where it feels impossible to keep going. With me, you don’t need to have all the right words or all the answers, because life is hard enough without pretending you have it all together.
Book a free 15-minute consult
A real person reaches out fast to get you scheduled.