Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Hudson.
Hi Mackenzie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I think my story of becoming a therapist is a little different than a lot of other therapists in that I never wanted to be a therapist. I went to therapy as a kid after my mom died, and I hated it. In college, I worked at a foster care agency and substance rehab facility for youth, which I loved and confirmed that I wanted to go into the field of helping others. So, I got my Master’s in Social Work so that I could have options to help people outside of therapy. But after graduating, I just kept falling into therapy positions, no matter how hard I tried to avoid them. I eventually left a therapy job to work as a social worker with families experiencing homelessness. It was in this job that I realized how much I actually did enjoy sitting down with individuals, providing a safe place for them to express their fears and emotions, and just listen. Not enough people get a chance to do that. After working in community mental health agencies for about 8 years, I started my private practice as a licensed psychotherapist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road for many reasons. Social workers and therapists are not treated very well within the public health field. We are one of the lowest-paid master’s level healthcare professionals. We also are expected to perform in high-stress and dangerous environments. I personally have been physically attacked, gone to the ER, threatened, yelled at, spit at, and the list goes on. All while making close to the minimum wage for a master’s level position and constantly being told we are never meeting the insurance company’s unrealistic standards of productivity. There were many times when I wanted to quit the field altogether. But as cliche as it sounds, the progress and growth I got to witness in my clients are what kept me here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mackenzie Hudson, LCSW?
I started my private practice about a year ago and see clients in person in Sorrento Valley or virtually throughout California. I specialize in working with adults and teens who survived childhood trauma or who currently experience symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am also a certified yoga teacher and incorporate yoga, breathing, and meditation into my practice with clients. The part of my business that I am most proud of is that I aim to provide all-encompassing trauma healing work. This includes yoga, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Psychedelic Integration work, and immigration evaluations for those seeking assistance with their immigration case. I will also be releasing an “at-home retreat” at the end of this year, where people can participate in a self-paced retreat that combines yoga and mental health education to help improve their sense of calm and confidence.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The world is experiencing a mental health crisis at this time, and I believe therapy is one piece of the puzzle in solving it. If anyone feels they are struggling with their mental health, I urge you to seek help from a mental health professional. I am happy to consult with anyone on my services personally or help you find another therapist who fits your needs. Please feel free to reach out to me via my website www.mackenziehudson.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mackenziehudson.com
- Instagram: mhudsontherapy
