Life is full of transitions, challenges, and unexpected twists, and navigating them can feel uncertain at times. Mackenzie Paolacci is here to support you, your family, or your child in building resilience, strengthening relationships, and finding clarity through life’s complexities. As a compassionate and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), Mackenzie specializes in creating a safe, supportive space where families, children, teens, and individuals can explore challenges and rediscover their strengths.

Mackenzie’s primary focus is on family therapy, where she is trained in Functional Family Therapy (FFT)—a short-term, evidence-based model designed to improve family dynamics, reduce problematic behaviors in adolescents, and foster long-term positive outcomes. Mackenzie’s work in family therapy emphasizes building stronger connections, improving communication, and addressing the emotional and behavioral concerns that impact family systems. Whether you’re blending families, parenting teens through difficult transitions, or healing strained relationships with adult children, Mackenzie uses her FFT training to guide families toward greater understanding and harmony. She also provides a unique perspective on estranged family relationships, helping families work toward reconciliation and healing when desired.

For children and teens, Mackenzie excels at meeting young clients exactly where they are, whether they’re navigating school stress, emotional challenges, or family issues. Her casual, open, and relatable approach helps even the most reluctant adolescents feel heard and understood. Mackenzie works to create an environment where children and teens feel safe to process their emotions, develop confidence, and build the skills they need to thrive.

Mackenzie also supports adults at all life stages, offering compassionate care for individuals facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or significant life changes. Her therapeutic style is strengths-based and person-centered, tailoring each session to the unique needs of her clients. Whether you’re seeking support as a parent, managing a major life transition, or looking to overcome feelings of stagnation, Mackenzie is dedicated to helping you discover new perspectives and tools to move forward with confidence.

Mackenzie’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, combining her FFT expertise with ongoing advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques. IFS allows Mackenzie to help clients better understand the different parts of themselves and how past experiences shape their current behavior, relationships, and goals. This approach is particularly effective for clients working through trauma, attachment wounds, or emotional challenges, providing a deeper level of healing and self-awareness.

In addition to IFS and FFT, Mackenzie draws from motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness practices. Her approach is rooted in the belief that every client is whole and capable, and her goal is to empower them to explore, heal, and grow.

Mackenzie earned her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2023 and is deeply committed to creating a positive impact in her clients’ lives. Her work is guided by her belief in the power of connection, resilience, and the ability to create meaningful change.

If you’re ready to find balance, strengthen your relationships, and build a brighter future, Mackenzie is here to guide you with warmth, expertise, and unwavering support.