Mackenzie Pereira LCMHC-A

About Mackenzie

Mackenzie finds passion working with clients who are bright, capable people who appear to have it all together on the outside but internally struggle with self-doubt, overthinking, procrastination, or the constant feeling that they're falling behind. She has a particular passion for supporting women with late-diagnosed ADHD as they untangle years of shame, masking, and unrealistic expectations and begin building a more compassionate understanding of themselves. She enjoys helping students and young professionals step away from achievement-based self-worth and reconnect with who they are beyond what they accomplish. Mackenzie also specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, life transitions, self-esteem, body image concerns, identity exploration, and provides LGBTQ+ affirming care. 

Mackenzie’s approach is collaborative, practical, and deeply human. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, somatic techniques, and person-centered therapy to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. She believes that our symptoms are a response to the human experience, not flaws needing to be “fixed.” She helps you lean into curiosity rather than shame towards your symptoms by helping you understand why your brain works the way it does, teaches evidence-based tools you can use outside of session, gently challenges unhelpful patterns, and encourages some laughter! She guides clients in exploring values so they can make choices that lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life, rather than one driven by fear, perfectionism, or other people's expectations. Mackenzie is currently pursuing her yoga teacher certification which influences her use of mindfulness and somatic practices in therapy to emphasize the connection between mind, body, and spirit. 

Mackenzie earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNCW and a Masters degree in School counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNC Pembroke. Mackenzie served as a school counselor at a Montessori school for nearly five years, helping children, teens, and their families in the school setting. Prior to becoming a school counselor, Mackenzie also served as a leadership coach for college women and spent time traveling to different universities across the country. Outside of the therapy room, Mackenzie enjoys spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, attending dance classes, traveling, playing with her rescue pup, and searching for her next go-to coffee order.