about
Clara Mackinlay: Credentials & Therapeutic Approach
I’m a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in the state of California, working under the supervision of Leah Smith, LMFT. I’m also a registered Somatic Yoga Teacher (RYT), intermediate-level Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP), EMDR-trained therapist, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy provider (KAP), Reiki Master, and certified Psychedelic Integration Specialist.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME
I’m Deeply Relational, Super Somatic, Kinda Woo, and Always Authentic.
The way I work as a therapist is, first and foremost, informed by my own healing journey—by the deep work I’ve done and continue to do in my personal therapy. Then, it’s informed by the formal training, education, and certifications that qualify me to do this work.
My approach is heavily body-based, nervous-system focused, and trauma-specialized. The work I do goes beyond talk therapy. Conversation is still part of our work, but we intentionally quiet the mental narrative to invite the body’s wisdom to the forefront.
I weave together a number of somatic therapies, inner child work, energy healing, psychedelic/plant wisdom, and psychoeducation to help clients process trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and intuition. And of course, I bring in plenty of sarcasm, laughter, and create space for all emotions to emerge safely.
I’m not a bobble-head therapist…
I take a client-centered approach that meets you where you are—and helps you move forward.
I know that every person needs a different pace, approach, or modality, so I mold therapy to you and your nervous system. My clients describe me as deeply compassionate, loving, and attuned—but also direct, and not afraid to call you on your sh*t when you need it. I keep it real. I’ll challenge you, nurture you, and walk alongside you through the highs and lows. We’re here to work, so let’s make the most of your time and investment.
Also? I cuss a lot. And I’m usually barefoot.
My philosophy is that true healing is holistic. Our experiences don’t just live in the mind—they’re embedded in the nervous system, held in the emotional and energetic body, and reinforced through lived experience. I work with all of it—mind, body, heart, and spirit.
The mind wants to understand • the body wants to feel • healing requires both.
The Mind-Body-Clarity Method
1. foundational education
We begin by learning about the nervous system, trauma responses, attachment patterns, and the ways your brain and body have adapted to keep you safe.
2. less talking, more feeling
We shift away from intellectualizing emotions and into feeling them as sensations in the body—healing moves from something you think about to something you experience.
3. change starts to happen
When we give the mind and body what they each want, you begin experiencing a different kind of self-awareness and nervous system regulation. You know more about who you are (deeply, intellectually, and somatically), what you need, and how to move forward in a way that feels expansive and free.
Getting a degree is easy. Doing the personal (and ongoing) healing work is hard.
There are plenty of therapists out there with impressive credentials, trainings, and letters after their names—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they know anything about healing. I truly believe the best therapists are the ones who continually engage in their own deep healing work, across a number of disciplines and modalities.
Professional QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to 20+ years of personal psychotherapy, countless plant medicine journeys, weekly supervision, and ongoing consultation with accomplished experts, here are some of the things that give me credibility in the Western world for doing this work:
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Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
California Board of Behavioral Sciences, #149677Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
Antioch University, Los AngelesBachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles -
SE Intermediate Level Practitioner (in progress)
Somatic Experiencing® InternationalEMDR Basic Training
Trauma Therapist InstituteKetamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Journey Clinical | FluenceRelational Movement & Touch for Attachment Trauma
Leah Smith, LMFT, SEPIntroduction to Developmental Movement
Debra Clydesdale, SEP
Unfreezing the Fawn with Somatic Experiencing®
Shideh Lennon, SEP, PhDSomatic Trauma Therapy Certificate
Dr. Abi Blakeslee, SEPTrauma-Focused CBT Certificate
The Medical University of South CarolinaCertified Reiki Level I & II
Mikao Usui lineage; attuned by Justin RandolphCertified RYT-250, Vinyasa & Yin Yoga
SolSeek, Manhattan BeachCertified Plant Medicine Integration Coach
Kat Courtney, Plant Medicine People -
Somatic Experiencing® (SE)
Eye-Movement & Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Attachment & Relationally-Oriented Therapy
NeuroAffective Touch & Kathy Kain’s Somatic Approach
Embodied Integration
Somatic Yoga & Movement
Reiki & Pranic Energy Healing
my motto, in life + therapy
Healing is messy, and Being human is hard … so Find your people, get weird, and let it be awkward, hilarious, and kind of amazing.
Kind Words from Colleagues
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“Clara is an incredibly intuitive and gifted therapist. Her healing journey sets her apart, and she creates a safe space for anyone seeking guidance from someone who gets it. She excels in healing trauma and fostering complete mind-body wellness.”
- Leah Smith, LMFT
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“Clara is a dynamic somatic therapist dedicated to helping women and girls reconnect with their inner power. Her blend of knowledge, insights, and skill provide her clients with the support and guidance they need to make meaningful changes in their lives!”
- Joanna Farah, AMFT
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“Clara brings a genuine sense of empathy and thoughtfulness to her work. Her ability to foster trust & understanding speaks to her dedication & skill. Her training in Somatic Experiencing creates a supportive space for meaningful & effective healing.”
- Vanessa Bellafiore, LMFT
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“Clara brings an intuitive, grounded presence that becomes apparent the moment you meet her. She is a compassionate and supportive guide for individuals navigating trauma, offering a safe space for healing and growth.”
Beth Kiacz, AMFT
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“Clara is a compassionate and deeply present clinician. She has a great understanding of Somatic Therapy, Trauma Modalities, and Psychedelic Integration.”
Chloe Bean, LMFT
