Makena Patterson

Welcome! I’m Makena, a student psychotherapist intern based in Central Texas. I’m in my final semester at UT Austin’s Master of Science in Social Work program, and I’m honored to provide therapy under the thoughtful supervision of Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S, in Austin, TX. Therapy, to me, is like finding a safe corner of the world—a space where you can breathe a little easier, feel a little more understood, and begin to explore what truly matters to you. I see my role as a collaborative partner, walking alongside you as you navigate your journey. You are the expert in your story, and I believe healing happens through connection, curiosity, and compassion. Sometimes, life can leave us feeling stuck or weighed down by pain from the past. You might feel pulled in different directions by parts of yourself—one that feels protective, another that’s carrying deep hurt. Or perhaps you’ve inherited stories from others that leave you feeling small. Together, we’ll approach these parts with care and curiosity, working to rewrite those narratives in a way that feels empowering and true to who you are. I am especially passionate about creating a space where LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. My approach is affirming, trauma-informed, and deeply personalized to honor your unique experience. Whether you’re exploring your identity, navigating anxiety or depression, or working through trauma, I’m here to offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and human presence. I’d love to connect with you if you think we might be a good fit. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to help you explore your needs, answer any questions, and see if working together feels right. During this time, I’ll also explain my scope of practice as a psychotherapy student intern, including the care I provide under the supervision of my clinical director. I’d be honored to support you—wherever you are, and wherever you’re headed. Makena Patterson is supervised by Andrea Turnipseed, LCSW-S #53034.