Meet Coastal Counseling Collective
Mackenzie McFarland, LMFT 129786
My name is Mackenzie McFarland and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Luis Obispo, California. I obtained my education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for my BA in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology. I am a current member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist including the Central Coast chapter. and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists with Clinical Fellow Designation.
I have multiple years experience working with those struggling with adjustment / management of their college experience, substance use / recovery, mood disorders (Bipolar), anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, change of life phases, and trauma. I have worked successfully with individuals from a variety of presenting problems such as; diagnoses, age, ethnicity, education level, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation - that being said - I believe that these factors play a role in who you are as an individual however within our sessions the therapeutic relationship developed is a significant factor that contributes to change.
Within sessions I will ask of you to be honest, share the seemingly irrational, challenge yourself within healthy discomfort, share of the difficulties you face within sessions, reflect on your life and yourself, and ultimately be open to the process of therapy. My role is not to give you the answers to your problems or provide advice. Rather, I will help create space to better make sense of what you already know and become more aware of the deeper insights within yourself. I pride myself on fostering a space with openness, trust, safety, transparency, curiosity, creativity, and compassion.
Alyssa Maragliotti, A-MFT 146930
Family dynamics are complex. If you have found it difficult to communicate with your partner or with your child, you are not alone. Finding help during these challenging times can feel overwhelming, and that’s where I hope I can help. I am an associate therapist working at Coastal Counseling Collective in San Luis Obispo, CA. I have clinical experience working with individuals, families and couples helping them manage their mental health needs and improve the quality of their relationships. I aim to create a space that offers you and your family the opportunity to listen, heal and grow together.
In my clinical experience, I have worked with children and adults with a range of mental health needs including processing trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and substance use. My work experience at a local non-profit afforded me the opportunity to build clinical skills in behavior modification, communication skills and parenting strategies.
I take a person-centered approach to treatment and aim to meet each client's unique needs. I strive to support clients in reaching the goals they set for themselves. I offer a safe and empathetic environment for client's to explore strategies that can improve the quality of their lives. In honoring the language of children, I offer play therapy as well.
Carissa, ASW 128163
Carissa graduated from Salem State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and obtained her Addiction Counseling Certification (CADCI) from UCLA. Her clinical background includes working with adults and families facing challenges with substance misuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. Carissa has a special interest in working with people who suffer from trauma, grief, and addiction. From a strengths-based perspective, she uses mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to assist her clients in meeting their goals. She is currently working to become certified in EMDR. Carissa collaborates with her clients in creating more supportive internal dialogue and implementing mindfulness and somatic practices which create a bridge to self-acceptance and internal trust.
Office Space
