Makenna Larson
Psychotherapist, Founder & Clinical Director
Makenna is a trauma-informed therapist and the founder of Therapy with Makenna, established in 2026. She is originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and has called Duluth, Minnesota home since moving there to pursue her education in psychology and social work. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Superior and her Master of Social Work at the College of St. Scholastica.
Makenna has been working in the mental health field since 2019, with experience across residential treatment, case management, and private practice therapy. These settings have shaped her understanding of the many ways people experience distress, resilience, and healing, and have strengthened her commitment to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that meets clients where they are.
Her clinical approach is grounded in a range of evidence-based and experiential modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), mindfulness-based approaches, and grief-informed practice. She is committed to ongoing learning and to integrating approaches that support clients in working through anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and patterns related to perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-esteem.
Makenna’s work is centered on creating a grounded and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel supported in slowing down, making sense of their experiences, and building a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
Training and Experience
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) – The College of St. Scholastica
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.) – University of Wisconsin–Superior
Certifications
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Trained
Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS)
Licensure
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Minnesota #31682
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Wisconsin #12179-123
Therapy with Makenna offers compassionate, trauma-informed care that is shaped around your needs and lived experiences, meeting you where you are. The work is grounded in trust, curiosity, collaboration, and intention.
Approaches Used
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Narrative Therapy
Expressive Art Therapy
Trauma & Grief Focused
Self-Compassion Focused
Mindfulness Based Focused Therapy
Parts Work/Internal Family Systems Therapy
Client Centered
Polyvagal Theory
Areas of Focus
Grief & Loss
Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health
Trauma & PTSD
Life Transitions & Adjustment
Low Self Esteem & Personal Growth
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Building Healthy Boundaries
Stress Management & Burn Out
Perfectionism & People Pleasing Behaviors
College Mental Health
Relationship & Communication Issues
Therapists, Healthcare Workers & Helping Professionals
Teens (14+)
Young Adults (18-35)
Adults (30-75)
Therapy with Makenna Values
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All the interventions and approaches I use are grounded in research and science, which means a higher likelihood of positive, lasting outcomes in therapy. I combine this evidence with my clinical experience and your unique needs, creating a personalized approach that is both effective and meaningful.
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I prioritize seeing people as whole, complex humans, not as a collection of symptoms or labels. Using non-pathologizing language is central to my work because it allows space for understanding, growth, and self-compassion.
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I value growth and learning because I believe we’re always evolving. In therapy, this means staying up-to-date with research, refining my skills, and tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Outside of work, it’s about staying curious, reflecting on my own experiences, and embracing opportunities to grow, so I can bring the most thoughtful, informed, and compassionate care to the people I work with.
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For me, therapy works best when we take a collaborative approach. I bring my clinical knowledge and experience, and you bring your life, your goals, and your perspective. Together, we explore what makes sense for you, try out new approaches, and navigate challenges in a way that fits your unique needs. This approach is designed to help you feel confident in your choices, trust your instincts, and know that you have the tools to create meaningful change in your life.
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I believe healing starts with feeling accepted just as you are. In our work together, all parts of you are welcome, your identities, your experiences, and your story. I’m committed to creating a space that is LGBTQ+ affirming, disability affirming, body-accepting, anti-racist, and culturally competent.