Makenzie Stancliff, MA

Child and Family Therapist
Supervised by Heather Vliet, LPC

Scheduling: 503.444.8230
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

— Maya Angelou

As a therapist, I believe everyone has the ability to facilitate change in themselves. Oftentimes, clients need support to make those changes and that is what I strive to provide. I enjoy working with youth and engaging them in understanding themselves better and making changes that will benefit themselves and those around them. I find it rewarding to watch clients learn new skills, accept the things they cannot change, and adjust their overall mindset in life.

Ages:

  • 5 years - young adulthood

Specialities:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

  • Play Therapy

FAQs

What is your training?

I hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology from CSU Channel Islands and a master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College. My coursework focused on systemic family therapy and emphasized social justice. I took courses specifically in child development, group counseling with children, play therapy, and family therapy.

What is your experience with children and teens?

I have over 10 years experience working with children in multiple settings. In my role as a case manager, I worked with foster youth and other children who were seeking therapeutic services. I also worked with children and teens, ages ranging from 3 to 18, in a primary care setting as a therapist intern.

What is a therapy appointment like? What will we do?

When we begin our therapeutic journey together, the first few sessions will focus on getting to know each other and discussing your goals for therapy. I enjoy using various activities in sessions, such as games or art activities, to engage children and adolescents. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy or play therapy in sessions and encourage the entire family to join us.

What if my child or teen doesn’t want me to participate?

Many teens do not want their parents to participate in sessions, and while I value their autonomy, I believe it is important to involve family. I will engage the child in individual sessions and encourage a family session every so often to keep the family in the circle of care.