Mackenzie Cummings

Mackenzie believes in the collaborative nature of therapy, viewing it as a partnership between client and therapist. Her primary goal is to help you discover the innate strengths you already possess, empowering you to confront your concerns and overcome life's challenges and transitions. Through this process, she aims to facilitate your healing and foster personal growth, guiding you towards a life that aligns with your core values.

Mackenzie specializes in assisting individuals who grapple with interpersonal difficulties, trauma, and anxiety. She utilizes evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), but she ulimately tailors her approach to your specific needs, drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic techniques.

In her work with couples, Mackenzie integrates psychodynamic insights with Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She aims to empower couples to communicate effectively, forge deeper connections, and break free from destructive relationship patterns. Recognizing the vital role that healthy intimacy plays in relationships, Mackenzie guides couples towards achieving closer connection.

About Mackenzie

Mackenzie attended Pomona College for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Spanish. She then spent two years at the VA Boston researching PTSD and moral injury before moving to Seattle for graduate school. She is currently a third-year doctoral student at Seattle Pacific University and is on track to receive her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in May 2026. Upon receiving her degree, she will serve as a clinical psychologist for the United States Navy. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, or spending time with friends.

Education

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (M.S.), Seattle Pacific University         Bachelors in Psychology and Spanish, Pomona College

Publications

Erickson, T. M., Lewis, J. M., Crouch, T. A., Singh, N. B., & Cummings, M. H. (2023). Interpersonal contrast avoidance as a mechanism for the maintenance of worry. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 94(102678). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102678

Litz, B. T., Plouffe, R. A., Nazarov, A., Murphy, D., Phelps, A., Coady, A., Houle, S. A., Dell, L., Frankfurt, S., Zerah, G., & Levy-Belz, Y. On behalf of the Moral Injury Outcome Scale Consortium. (2022). Defining and assessing the syndrome of moral injury: Initial findings of the moral injury outcome scale. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5(13), 923-928. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.923928

Litz, B. T., Cummings, M. H., Grunthal, B., & McLean, C. L. (2021). A public health framework for preventing mental disorders in the context of pandemics. Cognitive Behavioral Practice, 28, 519-531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.11.004

Cummings, M. H., Chartoff, R., Braughton, J. E., & Litz, B. T. (2020). An update on the development of the Moral Injury Oucome Scale (MIOS). International Society for Traumatic Stress, Moral Injury Special Interest Group, 2(2), 3-5.

McLean, C. L., Cummings, M. H., & Litz, B. T. (2020). Individual approaches to prevention and early intervention. In J. G. Beck & D. M. Sloan (Eds.), Oxford Handbook of Traumatic Stress Disorders (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190088224.013.26

Masland, S. R., Cummings, M. H., Null, K. E., Woynowskie, K. M., & Choi-Kain, L. W. (2019). Changes in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms during residential treatment for borderline personality disorder: A cross-lagged study. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 6(15), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-019-0113-4