About McKenna L.
With a unique educational background relevant to working with families and children, I have always searched for an active role that acknowledges clients at individual and systemic levels to better equip them with skills to overcome their personal everyday stressors. In my transition to working as a child and family therapist, I continue to navigate through a person-centered approach. I aim to help families learn to adapt to the various challenges and transitions in their lives while I remain passionate about supporting children and adolescents as they may struggle with their place in a family unit. I hope to motivate and guide every individual toward sustaining long-term change that continues to support them even after our time together.
I believe that there is no single approach that fits each individual, which is why I approach each client with intentionality that aids in their progress and helps them feel seen in the therapeutic space. Having grown up in a family that did not often understand the impact of mental health, I understand how daunting therapy can be for first time clients. First time clients often find themselves wary of the process due to fears of shame or judgment. My goal is to enact purposeful conversation that builds trust and allows every individual to share their story and feel understood.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents who may be struggling with an array of mood disorders or are experiencing difficulty transitioning through major events in their lives. In addition, I always incorporate working with the parents so they can better understand how to support their child as they work toward cohesion and resilience as a unit. Many of my clients can also struggle with aspects of their identity and often require a multicultural perspective to bridge the gaps that have prevented them from reaching their ideal self. Having worked alongside various age groups with expansive experiences and backgrounds, much of my therapy has been centered in a restorative justice approach that emphasizes a multicultural lens. With this lens in mind, it is my job to help each individual understand their role within the larger family system so support can be strengthened whenever there is a mismatch in parenting styles or communication. With my younger clients, I intend to emphasize their voice so they can feel heard and learn to process their experiences and the impact they may have.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a focus in medicine, classics, and philosophy from Baylor University in Texas and my Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School in Chicago where I received clinical experience alongside various populations throughout Illinois. Through the integration of my undergraduate and graduate coursework, I believe I provide a unique and holistic perspective that I continue to evolve as I enhance my skills as a child and family therapist and work toward obtaining my LPC licensure. When I am not with my clients, I can often be found reading or watching movies. I love long walks with a good cup of coffee and have been practicing self-care by learning to cook and listening to new music. I am additionally a creative person and have been painting most of my life. I always try to infuse this creativity in everything I do while I continue to maintain balance in my life which has enhanced my abilities as a professional.
“My goal is to enact purposeful conversation that builds trust and allows every individual to share their story and feel understood.”
- McKenna Louth, MA (she/they)
McKenna is a therapist fellow at Empower Family Therapy. She has completed her MA in Forensic Psychology and has clinical experience. She is a provisionally licensed counselor and is on track for full licensure as a professional counselor. McKenna receives direct supervision under Ruaa Jaber, LCSW, PhD candidate in Couple and Family Therapy, and staff therapist at Empower Family Therapy.
To schedule an appointment with McKenna, contact us and mention her name.
Mckenna’S SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:
Couples & families working on blending their families
Children and adolescents working on identity issues or life transitions
Children with mood disorders or behavioral issues
Parenting adolescents with behavioral issues
Children and adolescents struggling with multicultural issues