Mary Mackiewicz, MA, LPCC

mary@affinitypsych.com

Hi, I’m Mary!

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I attended graduate school at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and my undergraduate degree is from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

I am currently seeing female-identifying clients only. I love working with women to help them find their voice. Oftentimes, women in toxic relationships-whether romantic, friendships, workplaces, or family dynamics-feel stuck because they either don’t know what they want or how to ask for it. Many women are socialized to be “nice” and to put themselves on the back burner. I’m passionate about helping women set healthy boundaries and say “no” without guilt.

A fun fact about me is that I was a Barbie fanatic growing up. During the pandemic, I reignited that passion and purchased about twenty Barbies in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and races. They have a pretty sweet wardrobe, too! I also love dressing my pit bull mix in sweaters, T-shirts, and hoodies.

How I Work

Humor is an integral part of my therapy style. I have a dry, irreverent sense of humor, and I can be quite sarcastic. I like to ask about your week. I also like to tie what we talk about back to what you said during your intake and to your treatment plan. I’m very conversational and casual, but I’m constantly listening for areas of growth, cognitive distortions, and any opportunity to spark awareness.

I also like to celebrate your growth. If you’re trying to stop people-pleasing, any steps toward that should be celebrated. Maybe you couldn’t say “no” to someone, but you said “Let me think about that.” I think most people love praise, and I don’t think you can hear too much of it. Even if I’m challenging you, I do so kindly.

I believe that what you want matters. You matter. You are important.

What Sets Me Apart As a Therapist?

I can’t stress enough how much I love humor. Therapy can really seem overwhelming and feel like a drag, but I think it can be fun! I also love to color and do “dot art.”

Issues I Treat:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Trauma/PTSD
  • Substance abuse
  • Behavioral addiction
  • Family of origin issues and dynamics
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorder
  • Sleep or Insomnia
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Stress
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Self-Harming
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Body image/self-esteem
  • Life changes/adjustments
  • Relationship/interpersonal challenges

Populations I Serve:

  • Female-identifying individuals 13+
  • People dealing with life changes/adjustment and relationship/interpersonal challenges
  • LGBTQ+
  • Indigenous
  • People of Color
  • Group therapy

Professional background:

Education

  • MA in Counseling and Psychology – Saint Mary’s University of Minneapolis, MN
  • BA – Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD

Trainings

  • Motivational interviewing
  • Mental health first aid

Previous Employment

  • Canvas Health – Mobile Crisis Clinician (Shakopee, Scott County)
  • Ellie Mental Health – Therapist (Mendota Heights)
  • PrairieCare, Edina – Associate Therapist, Youth Intensive Outpatient Program, Assessment and Intake Department

Licensure

  • MN, LPCC, cc04945